A recent court filing has brought to light a harrowing workplace injury that resulted in the amputation of an employee's leg. The complaint, filed by Leonel Botello in the District Court of Harris County on June 7, 2024, names Josefina Ramirez and Mountain City Enterprises, Inc., doing business as International Foreign Auto Parts (IFAP), as defendants.
According to the filing, Botello was employed at an IFAP junkyard facility located in Corpus Christi, Texas. On December 20, 2022, while performing his job duties, Botello sustained a scrape from a transmission line. This seemingly minor injury progressively worsened and eventually led to the amputation of his right leg below the knee. The plaintiff alleges that both Ramirez and IFAP failed to provide a safe working environment and neglected to address known hazards at the junkyard facility.
Botello's complaint outlines several accusations against the defendants. It asserts that they were negligent and grossly negligent in their duty to maintain a safe workplace. Specific allegations include failing to implement adequate safety protocols, neglecting to inspect and test the facility properly, not warning employees of hidden dangers, and failing to provide necessary safety equipment. "Defendants’ breaches were done with reckless disregard to a substantial risk of severe bodily injury," states the complaint.
In addition to negligence claims, Botello also brings forth premises liability charges against Ramirez and IFAP. He contends that they had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous conditions at the junkyard but failed to warn him or make those conditions reasonably safe. The complaint argues that this breach directly resulted in his severe injuries.
Botello is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $1 million for past and future loss of earnings, pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. He also seeks exemplary damages due to what he describes as gross negligence on part of the defendants.
The case is being handled by attorneys Kurt Arnold, Roland Christensen, Alec Paradowski, Samuel Long, and James R. Long from Arnold & Itkin LLP. The presiding judge is yet to be named under Case ID 2024-36067.