HOUSTON — A drilling rig worker alleges he was intentionally sprayed with drilling mud and suffered burns to his skin.
Cleveland Bethany filed a complaint March 15 against Patterson-UTI Drilling Company LLC and Mewbourne Oil Company alleging negligence.
Bethany, according to his complaint, was drilling oil for Mewbourne on July 16, 2022, on Patterson-UTI's drilling rig. He alleges that as he and other crew members were working next to a wellhead, drilling mud suddenly erupted out of the wellhead and coated his body. Bethany claims the drilling mud began to burn his skin and cause him to suffer vomiting.
He further claims after reporting the incident to his supervisor, he was informed that he had been sprayed with the drilling mud intentionally "as part of a bet over a 'twelve pack of beer.'"
Bethany alleges the defendants' negligence for failing to provide adequate medical treatment, failure to provide a safe work space and failure to properly train and supervise their employees.
He also alleges the defendants failed to follow and enforce safe drilling operations and procedures which caused him to suffer pain, impairment and suffer lost wages.
Bethany seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by K. Know Nunnally and Matthew Allen of Allen & Nunnally LLP in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2023-16669