HOUSTON — A worker who was inside a truck that became attached to a crane, lifted in the air and then dropped to the ground is claiming negligence.
Victor Robledo filed a complaint March 22 in Harris County District Court against Katoen Natie Gulf Coast Inc., alleging negligence.
According to Robledo's complaint, he was working as "mule driver" for Bruce Temporary Services at Katoen Natie's Baytown facility. He alleges that he was working in the stacker yard and using the mule truck to deliver containers into the yard where they were then off-loaded by a crane.
Robledo claims that as the crane began to lift the container, a bolt became lodged and caused the container to "affix to the chassis" on his truck. He alleges the crane began to lift his truck and that he radioed the crane operator to stop but he did not listen and dropped his truck while it was lifted in the air.
Robledo's truck was then dropped and began to "free fall through the air" until it hit the ground, according to the suit. He further claims the "violent force" of his truck dropping to the ground caused him to suffer injuries to his hip, back and neck. He alleges the negligence of the defendant for failing to "peform a safe lift" and for failing to maintain and test its equipment to ensure a safe worksite.
Robledo seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest and all other just relief. He is represented by Anthony Buzbee of The Buzbee Law Firm in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-16551