A Texas resident has filed a lawsuit against three major energy companies, alleging severe injuries due to exposure to toxic gas while on the job. Brandon Lewis lodged his complaint in Harris County District Court on August 2, 2024, targeting XTO Energy Inc., ExxonMobil Pipeline Company LLC, and Momentum Oil & Gas Management, LLC.
According to the court documents, Lewis claims that on March 10, 2023, he was working on a pipeline near Nacogdoches, Texas when he was exposed to dangerous H2S gas. He asserts that this exposure resulted from the defendants' failure to maintain the pipeline and associated equipment properly. The plaintiff alleges that the companies did not warn him about the potential hazards or take necessary safety precautions. "Defendants’ negligence created and/or exacerbated a dangerous situation that increased the risk of harm," states the petition.
The lawsuit details multiple accusations against the defendants including negligence, gross negligence, premises liability, and breach of various duties. Specific allegations include failing to maintain equipment properly, inadequate staffing and supervision, insufficient training for workers, non-compliance with industry standards and safety programs, and failing to provide a safe work environment. Additionally, Lewis claims that there were no adequate emergency response procedures in place. "Defendants’ actions were done with a reckless disregard to a substantial risk of severe bodily injury," reads another section of the complaint.
Lewis is seeking damages exceeding $1 million for past and future medical care, pain and suffering, mental anguish, impairment, disfigurement, loss of household services and consortium among other compensatory damages. He also seeks exemplary damages due to what he describes as grossly negligent behavior by the defendants.
Representing Brandon Lewis are attorneys John D. Morrow (State Bar No. 24051331), Nicholas A. Morrow (State Bar No. 24051088), Braden Riley (State Bar No. 24099932), and P. Hogan Leatherwood (State Bar No. 24100138) from Morrow & Sheppard LLP located at 5151 San Felipe Suite 100 Houston TX 77056. The case is being heard in Harris County District Court under Case ID: 2024-49472 by Judge Taiasha Bradford.