A workplace accident has sparked a legal battle as an injured worker seeks justice against a major energy company. On September 5, 2024, Jose Cantu filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, against Freeport LNG, LLC; Freeport LNG-GP, LLC; and Freeport LNG Development, L.P., alleging negligence and gross negligence.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on April 17, 2024, when Cantu was employed by Marquis Industrial Services as a Scaffold Leadman. While working at a plant owned or operated by the defendants, Cantu traversed a catwalk with uneven and defective grating. The absence of handrails and other safety measures led to his fall and subsequent severe injuries to his back and other parts of his body. According to the complaint, "Defendants failed to construct handrails or take other reasonable safety precautions," resulting in hazardous conditions that directly caused Cantu's accident.
Cantu accuses the defendants of multiple forms of negligence. These include failing to provide a safe work environment, inadequate safety equipment, insufficient inspection for dangerous conditions, poor maintenance of property, failure to fix or warn about hazards, vicarious liability for employees' negligence, reckless disregard for inherent dangers and safety regulations. The plaintiff asserts that these failures have led to significant physical pain, mental anguish, loss of earnings both past and future, and ongoing medical expenses.
In seeking redress from the court, Cantu demands monetary relief exceeding $1 million. He requests pre-judgment and post-judgment interest along with compensation for court costs, attorneys' fees, punitive damages, and any other relief deemed just by the court. Furthermore, he has requested a jury trial on all claims.
Representing Jose Cantu are attorneys Jason A. Itkin and Trenton Shelton from Arnold & Itkin LLP. The case is being presided over by Judge Berita Barrett under Case ID 2024-59771 in the 151st Judicial District Court of Harris County.