A harrowing incident at an industrial plant has led to a significant legal battle, as a Texas resident seeks justice for severe injuries sustained on the job. On June 21, 2024, Kelly Collins filed a complaint in the Harris County District Court against Exxon Mobil Corporation, alleging negligence and gross negligence following an elevator malfunction at the company's Baytown Olefins Plant.
According to the court documents, Collins was working at the Exxon Mobil Baytown Olefins Plant on June 4, 2024, when an elevator he was riding suddenly began descending rapidly. The abrupt drop caused Collins' knees to buckle and jammed his neck, resulting in serious injuries to his knee, neck, and other parts of his body. Collins asserts that Exxon Mobil Corporation, as the owner and operator of the plant, had a duty to maintain the elevator and ensure it was safe for use but failed in this responsibility.
The plaintiff's petition outlines several accusations against Exxon Mobil Corporation. Collins claims that the company failed to create and enforce adequate maintenance protocols and procedures for its equipment. Additionally, he alleges that Exxon Mobil did not maintain a safe working environment or adequately inspect the premises. The complaint also highlights failures in employee training and supervision, as well as a lack of warnings about potential hazards at the plant.
Collins is seeking over $1 million in damages for medical expenses, physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of future earning capacity. He argues that these damages are justified due to Exxon Mobil's reckless disregard for safety protocols which posed a substantial risk of severe bodily injury. Furthermore, Collins is requesting exemplary damages due to what he describes as gross negligence on the part of Exxon Mobil.
Represented by Arnold & Itkin LLP attorney Timothy Shelton (Texas State Bar No. 24121119), Collins has demanded a jury trial for this case. The case is filed under Cause No. 2024-39622 in the 270th Judicial District Court of Harris County with Judge Wanda Chambers presiding.