A harrowing workplace accident has led to a significant legal battle in Harris County, Texas. On June 26, 2024, Wilmer Carcamo filed a complaint against North Houston Pole Line L.P. and Homeland Staffing Inc., alleging severe negligence that resulted in debilitating injuries.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on August 22, 2022, when Carcamo, employed by Homeland Staffing and working as a laborer for North Houston Pole Line, fell several feet into an uncovered manhole while performing his duties in downtown Houston. This fall caused serious injuries to Carcamo's body. The plaintiff contends that the defendants' negligence and gross negligence directly led to this accident. According to the complaint, Homeland Staffing was not subscribed to a workers' compensation insurance policy at the time of the incident, which removes certain common law defenses typically available under Texas law.
Carcamo's legal team outlines multiple accusations against both defendants. They argue that North Houston Pole Line and Homeland Staffing failed in their duty to ensure a safe working environment. Specific allegations include failure to conduct regular maintenance and inspections of the worksite, failure to warn about potential dangers, negligently leaving a manhole uncovered without warnings, and failing to ensure proper supervision and training of workers. "Defendants’ actions were done with reckless disregard for substantial risk," states the complaint.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court. These include compensatory damages exceeding $1 million for medical expenses (both past and future), lost income (both past and future), pain and suffering (both past and future), mental anguish (both past and future), physical impairment (both past and future), disfigurement (both past and future), loss of enjoyment of life (both past and future), loss of household services (both past and future), loss of consortium (both past and future), interest on damages (pre-judgment and post-judgment), court costs, exemplary damages, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Carcamo is Curtis J. Bickers from Vujasinovic & Beckcom PLLC. The case has been filed in the District Court of Harris County under Case ID 2024-40536 with Judge Monica Jackson presiding.