A serious workplace injury has led to a substantial lawsuit against several major energy companies. On August 7, 2024, Javier Lira filed a complaint in the Harris County District Court against Diversified Energy Services, LLC, Oxy USA Inc., Occidental Petroleum Corporation, and Occidental Permian, Ltd.
According to the court documents, Javier Lira was working as a contractor for Diversified Energy Services on October 26, 2023. During his work rigging down a pipe system, an incident occurred that resulted in severe injuries to Lira's ankle. The plaintiff claims that while attempting to loosen a pipe that had become stuck, it suddenly swung out and pinned him down. This accident allegedly caused significant physical harm due to inadequate safety measures and supervision by the defendants.
Lira's petition outlines multiple accusations of negligence against Diversified Energy Services. These include failure to provide adequate training and safety measures, improper equipment inspection and monitoring, and insufficient supervision of contractors and employees. Additionally, Lira accuses the company of gross negligence for being aware of the risks but proceeding with conscious indifference to his safety.
The complaint also extends these allegations to Oxy USA Inc., Occidental Petroleum Corporation, and Occidental Permian Ltd., collectively referred to as "Oxy Defendants." The plaintiff asserts that these companies owned or controlled the premises where the incident occurred and failed in their duty to maintain safe working conditions. The accusations against them include negligent supervision of work activities, inadequate training and safety protocols, failure to maintain equipment properly, and gross negligence.
Lira is seeking monetary relief exceeding $1 million for past and future mental anguish, physical pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages or earning capacity, loss of household services, disfigurement and scarring among other damages. He also requests punitive damages due to the gross negligence exhibited by the defendants.
Representing Javier Lira is attorney Muhammad S. Aziz from Abraham Watkins Nichols Agosto Aziz & Stogner law firm. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-50693 in the 269th Judicial District Court under Judge Talitha McCarty.