A catastrophic accident at a Texas oil plant has led to a high-stakes legal battle. On July 16, 2024, Adrian Landa filed a complaint in the Harris County District Court against Marathon Oil Corporation, alleging severe negligence that resulted in life-altering injuries.
The case centers around an incident on March 3, 2024, when Landa was working at a plant in Karnes County managed by Marathon Oil. According to the complaint, the catwalk on a rig platform collapsed while Landa was traversing it, causing him to fall and sustain severe physical and mental injuries. "Plaintiff has incurred and will continue to incur substantial medical expenses as a result of his injuries," states the filing. The plaintiff's attorneys argue that Marathon Oil failed in multiple areas of responsibility, including inadequate training and supervision of employees, poor maintenance of equipment, and violation of safety standards.
Landa’s lawsuit accuses Marathon Oil of both negligence and gross negligence. The complaint lists numerous specific failures on the part of Marathon Oil: "Failing to perform rig operations in a reasonable manner," "failing to properly supervise, train, instruct, and monitor employees," and "violating OSHA and other applicable standards relating to safety operations." Furthermore, it alleges that the company consciously disregarded extreme risks associated with their operations. As such, Landa is seeking not only compensatory damages for his medical expenses but also exemplary damages due to what he describes as Marathon Oil's grossly negligent behavior.
In addition to negligence claims, Landa also brings forth accusations under premises liability law. He asserts that Marathon Oil was aware or should have been aware of the dangerous conditions present at the wellsite but failed to take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks or warn those working there. "Defendant had a duty to use reasonable care to ensure that the premises did not present a danger," reads the filing.
Landa seeks compensation exceeding $1 million for various damages including past and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of earnings capacity, cost of future medical monitoring, and exemplary damages. He has demanded a jury trial for this case.
Representing Adrian Landa are attorneys Ryan H. Zehl and Matthew O. Greenberg from Zehl & Associates PC. The case is being heard by Judge Tlanni Williams in Harris County District Court under Case ID 2024-44406.