HOUSTON — A driller at a rig site claims improper safety measures led to his traumatic brain injury.
Rodrigo DeLeon filed a complaint Jan. 3 in Harris County District Court against Marathon Oil Corporation, Marathon Oil Company, Eric Pulpan, Matt McGaugh and Josh Love alleging negligence and premises liability.
DeLeon was working at a rig well site located north of Gainesville on June 28, 2021, according to his complaint. He claims that Marathon supervisors instructed the drillers to lift the rotating head without securing it while he and his crew were "tripping out pipe." DeLeon alleges the rotating head fell as the pipe was racked which caused it to fall and strike him and his coworker.
He further alleges he was knocked unconscious as he laid over the barrel shaped rolling device and suffered a traumatic brain injury and other injuries. DeLeon claims the defendants' negligence for failing to properly supervise the drilling, failing to ensure safe drilling methods and failing to use safety equipment in order to maximize profits. He also claims the defendants failed to warn of the dangerous condition of the particular drilling or to properly communicate and coordinate the drilling. DeLeon alleges the defendants failed to exercise a stop work authority once they recognized the dangerous condition.
DeLeon seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Robert Hilliard, John Martinez, Rudy Gonzales, Jr., Catherine Hilliard and Bradford Klager of Hilliard Martinez Gonzales LLP in Corpus Christi.
Harris County District Court case number 2022-00140