GALVESTON - After he was reportedly injured while working at BP's Texas City facilities, Juan Ibarra pursues legal action.
A lawsuit filed Nov. 6 in Galveston County District Court claims the incident occurred on March 31, 2011.
According to court papers, Ibarra and his crew were instructed by the company to dismantle scaffolding and take down a barricade within its premises.
The original petition asserts the area where the plaintiff was directed to work "was unsafe as the area was covered in dense steam obscuring the plaintiff's view."
BP knew of the conditions, but allowed the complainant and his co-workers to proceed, the suit says.
Ibarra claims he then sustained "permanent and severe injuries including significant damage to his knee" as well as emotional distress and mental anguish.
He blames BP for:
- Failing to comply with applicable safety regulations, standards, customs and practices;
- Failing to properly supervise its employees;
- Failing to properly train its employees;
- Failing to remedy an unsafe condition; and
- Failing to maintain a workplace free from unnecessary hazards.
Consequently, Ibarra seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.
Attorney Caroline Montano with Arnold & Itkin LLP in Houston is representing Ibarra, and Galveston County 10th District Judge David Garner is presiding over the case.
Case No. 12-CV-2705