A catastrophic incident at a Midland, Texas oil service facility has led to a significant legal battle. On July 3, 2024, Samuel DeLeon filed a complaint in Harris County District Court against Cactus, Inc., ROC Service Company, LLC, and FlexSteel Pipeline Technologies, LLC. The lawsuit accuses these companies of negligence resulting in severe injuries to DeLeon.
The plaintiff, Samuel DeLeon, was working as an operator for Velocity Construction and Industrial on June 27, 2024. The job site was owned and operated by ROC Service Company and overseen by FlexSteel Pipeline Technologies and Cactus, Inc. During the course of his duties—specifically while testing the pressure in pipelines installed by ROC Service Company—DeLeon was severely injured when improperly installed pipe fittings burst. According to the petition, "ROC Service Company negligently installed incorrect/improper pipe fittings of insufficient integrity to withstand the pressure testing exerted onto the piping." This failure resulted in DeLeon being thrown several feet into the air and sustaining severe injuries including a traumatic brain injury and debilitating arm injuries.
The complaint further alleges that all three defendants retained control over their employees' conduct at the job site under the doctrine of respondeat superior. This legal principle holds employers accountable for their employees' actions performed within the scope of their employment. As such, DeLeon asserts that ROC Service Company, FlexSteel Pipeline Technologies, and Cactus are responsible for the negligent acts that led to his injuries.
DeLeon's lawsuit outlines multiple claims of negligence against the defendants. These include failing to ensure job site safety, improper installation of pipe fittings unable to withstand pressure tests, and inadequate supervision during operations. Additionally, DeLeon accuses them of negligent undertaking—failing to exercise reasonable care in performing services necessary for third-party protection—and premises liability for not maintaining a safe work environment.
The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $1 million for medical expenses (both past and future), pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability, impairment, disfigurement, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Furthermore, he requests prejudgment and post-judgment interest as allowed by law.
To preserve crucial evidence related to his case—including equipment used during pressure testing—DeLeon has also applied for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the defendants. He argues that without this order preventing any alteration or destruction of evidence before it can be inspected by his representatives would result in irreparable harm to his case.
Representing Samuel DeLeon are attorneys Paula A. Wyatt from Wyatt Law Firm PLLC along with Gavin McInnis and Louis Deutsch. The case is being presided over by Judge Taiasha Bradford under Case ID 2024-42486.