A harrowing incident at a Louisiana industrial plant has led to a lawsuit that could reshape workplace safety standards. On August 30, 2024, Aaron Dixon filed a complaint in the Harris County District Court against Vecta Environmental Services, LLC, seeking damages for severe injuries sustained due to alleged negligence and gross negligence by the company.
According to the court documents, Aaron Dixon, a resident of Louisiana, was working at the Great River Industries Plant in Geismar, Louisiana on April 18, 2024. While performing his duties, Dixon was severely injured when Vecta Environmental Services' blasting equipment malfunctioned. The equipment unexpectedly blasted an outside pipe that collided with Dixon. Despite using all required personal protective equipment, Dixon was caught in the line of fire because Vecta allegedly energized and pressurized the equipment prematurely and negligently.
The complaint asserts that Vecta's actions were not only negligent but also intentional. "Defendant intentionally chose to energize the equipment while Plaintiff was in the line of fire," states the filing. As a result of this incident, Dixon suffered extensive injuries including a torn stomach which necessitated multiple surgeries and prolonged hospitalization. He has been left disfigured and is likely to endure permanent physical impairment along with ongoing pain and suffering.
Dixon's legal team accuses Vecta of multiple failures: failing to de-energize or properly maintain their equipment, inadequate employee training and supervision, insufficient safety protocols, and neglecting to warn about potential hazards. The complaint further alleges that these lapses were grossly negligent acts showing a flagrant disregard for worker safety.
Seeking justice for his ordeal, Dixon is asking for compensatory damages exceeding $1 million. This includes claims for past and future pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, loss of earnings capacity, and punitive damages aimed at penalizing Vecta for their reckless conduct.
Representing Aaron Dixon are attorneys Kurt B. Arnold, J. Kyle Findley, and John G. Grinnan from Arnold & Itkin LLP based in Houston. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-58490 under Judge Patil Jones in Harris County’s 333rd Judicial District Court.