Matthew Hebert has filed a lawsuit against Chevron U.S.A., Inc., accusing the company of negligence and gross negligence following an incident on an offshore platform. The complaint was filed in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, on October 11, 2024. Hebert alleges that Chevron's failure to maintain a safe working environment led to his severe injuries.
According to the petition, Hebert was injured on May 28, 2024, while working on a fixed offshore platform rig owned by Chevron. The plaintiff claims he was using a scaffolding system to paint pipes when the rigging cables lost tension due to inadequate inspection and maintenance by Chevron’s personnel. This resulted in Hebert suffering significant knee injuries. The lawsuit asserts that Chevron had a duty to ensure safety through proper inspections and oversight but failed in its responsibilities. "Defendant's conduct demonstrates not only an attitude of conscious indifference...but also shows Defendant’s actual and subjective awareness of the dangers," states the petition.
Hebert is seeking monetary relief exceeding $250,000 but not more than $1 million for damages including physical pain, mental anguish, loss of earnings, and future medical expenses. The plaintiff accuses Chevron of failing to provide a reasonably safe work environment and not adequately training or supervising its employees. Additionally, Hebert argues that under the doctrine of respondeat superior, Chevron should be held liable for the negligent acts of its employees.
The lawsuit further alleges premises liability against Chevron for controlling the area where Hebert was injured without addressing known safety hazards. As an invitee on Chevron's premises, Hebert contends that he should have been warned about any dangerous conditions or had those conditions made safe by the company.
Representing Matthew Hebert are attorneys Michael E. Pierce and Kyle W. Chapel from Pierce Skrabanek PLLC. The case is being overseen by Judge Jarod Stirup in Harris County’s 129th Judicial District Court under Case ID 2024-70927.