HOUSTON — A worker who suffered injuries while trying to escape a tank fire at a Marathon Texas City Refinery is claiming negligence.
Jose Rodriguez filed a complaint Aug. 30 in Harris County District Court against Marathon Petroleum Company LP, Blanchard Refining Company LLC, Apache Industrial Services and others alleging negligence and premises liability.
Rodriguez alleges in his complaint that he was working as a boilermaker inside a tank at the Marathon Texas City Refinery on June 1, 2020. He claims a fire erupted and as he attempted to escape he fell from the top of the tank and onto his back and shoulder and suffered serious injuries.
Rodriguez specifically claims the negligence of Marathon for failing to properly supervise and inspect the refinery and for not having adequate training, failing to provide a safe workplace or warning of the dangerous condition. He further claims Marathon violated OSHA regulations and had "actual knowledge" or should have known of the unreasonably dangerous condition.
Rodriguez alleges as a result of his fall, he suffered mental anguish, pain, impairment and disability, lost wages and incurred medical expenses.
Rodriguez seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest and all other just relief. He is represented by Muhammad Aziz and David Baluk of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-54658