BEAUMONT – An oil rig worker is suing for injuries he allegedly received after slipping on oil.
Seeking up to $1 million in damages, Jason Mettlen filed suit against Nicklos Drilling and Kingwood Oil on Oct. 26 in Jefferson County District Court.
According to the lawsuit, on April 26 Mettlen was working for Weatherford on a rig owned by Nicklos Drilling, located at property owned by Kingwood.
“While plaintiff was working, one of the catwalks on the right was covered in mud and oil,” the suit states. “When plaintiff walked on the catwalk, he slipped and fell four feet off of the catwalk. As a result, plaintiff has suffered severe and lasting physical injuries.”
Mettlen is accusing the defendant companies of negligently failing to adequately prepare for a major flood event and properly maintain and clean the work environment.
He contends the defendants acted with a conscious indifference to his safety, making them liable for exemplary damages.
He is also suing for actual damages, past and future medical damages, mental anguish, impairment, disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life.
Houston attorney Michael Pierce of Pierce Skrabanek represents him.
Judge Justin Sanderson, 60th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. B-204738