A Texas resident has filed a lawsuit against a domestic energy company, alleging severe injuries due to negligence and unsafe working conditions. Domingo Baeza initiated the complaint in Harris County District Court on June 27, 2024, targeting Surge Energy LLC for damages ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000.
According to the court documents, Baeza was employed by Taz Well Service and was working at a site controlled by Surge Energy LLC on February 7, 2024. The incident occurred while Baeza was performing routine tasks involving pulling pipes and barrels. He was struck in the mouth when an elevator malfunctioned and moved faster than normal. Baeza asserts that the equipment he was using was unsafe and not properly maintained by Surge Energy LLC. "Nothing that Plaintiff did or failed to do on the occasion in question caused or contributed to the injuries complained of," states the petition.
Baeza's legal team argues that Surge Energy LLC had a duty to inspect and maintain their premises safely but failed to do so. They allege that this failure resulted in dangerous conditions that led directly to Baeza's injuries. "The condition of the premises posed an unreasonable risk of harm," reads one part of the filing. The lawsuit further claims that Surge Energy LLC's negligence extended beyond just maintenance issues; it also involved failing to warn employees about potential hazards associated with defective equipment.
In addition to negligence, Baeza is also accusing Surge Energy LLC of strict product liability concerning the defective elevator. The complaint outlines how the elevator malfunctioned during regular operations and caused significant injury. It alleges that Surge Energy LLC neglected its responsibility to inspect and test the elevator before use and failed to warn users like Baeza about its defects. "Plaintiff sustained severe and painful personal injuries as a direct and proximate result of Defendant's negligence and strict product liability," notes the petition.
Baeza is seeking various forms of relief from the court, including actual damages for medical expenses already incurred and those anticipated in the future due to his injuries. He is also asking for compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of earning capacity, pre-judgment interest, post-judgment interest, court costs, punitive damages, and any other relief deemed appropriate by law.
Representing Domingo Baeza is attorney McDonald “Don” Worley from Houston-based law firm McDonald Worley. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-40772 in Harris County District Court under Judge Marilyn Burgess.