HOUSTON — A rig worker who fell more than 20 feet off a stairwell after tripping over a pressure washer hose is claiming negligence.
Ruben Luna filed a complaint April 19 in Harris County District Court against Independence Contract Drilling Inc., alleging negligence.
Luna, according to his complaint, was working on Rig 203 owned and operated by Independence in Big Spring on Jan. 2, 2022. He alleges that as he was walking down the stairs of the rig to switch platforms, an employee who was pressure washing the stairwell "aggressively" pulled the hose through the gaps on the stairwell. Luna claims he was caused to fall 20 to 30 feet onto another platform and suffered injuries.
He alleges Independence's negligence for failing to provide a proper walkway or alternative method for him to change platforms and for its failure to have the power washer hose in a safe location. Luna also alleges the defendants were negligent for failing to inspect or monitor areas of the rig for dangerous conditions and that they failed to properly train and supervise their employees in safety procedures. He further alleges that Independence failed to have proper safety equipment, tools or fall protection such as a safety harness or safety line.
Luna seeks monetary relief of more than $10 million, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Steve Kherkher, Ryan MacLeod and Omar Chawdhary of Kherkher Garcia LLP in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2022-23580