A devastating fire incident at a marine facility has led to a legal battle as an injured worker seeks justice against a Texas-based company. Devin Price, the plaintiff, filed a complaint on October 16, 2024, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, against Midstream Texas Operating, LLC. The lawsuit centers around catastrophic injuries Price sustained due to alleged negligence by the defendant.
The complaint details how Devin Price suffered severe injuries on April 3, 2024, while onloading oil into a barge at the Brown Water Marine Services facility in Aransas Pass, Texas. The equipment involved in the incident was owned and maintained by Midstream Texas Operating, LLC. According to the petition, faulty equipment caused a pressure buildup that resulted in an explosion and subsequent fire. Price claims that despite repeated complaints from his employer's employees about equipment malfunctions and safety hazards, Midstream failed to address these issues adequately.
Price accuses Midstream of multiple acts of negligence including failing to train him properly on releasing pressure safely from the skid involved in the operation. The lawsuit also alleges that Midstream did not maintain or repair essential equipment and neglected to implement adequate safety procedures for operations involving hazardous materials. Furthermore, it is claimed that Midstream did not provide necessary personnel or working equipment needed for safe operations.
In addition to negligence claims, Price argues that Midstream is vicariously liable for its employees' actions under the doctrine of respondeat superior. He also accuses them of gross negligence for proceeding with conscious indifference to known risks associated with their operations. This gross negligence claim highlights an extreme degree of risk taken by Midstream considering the potential harm involved.
Price seeks compensatory damages for medical expenses incurred and expected in the future due to his injuries. He also requests compensation for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of earnings capacity both past and future, disfigurement, and loss of household services. Additionally, he seeks exemplary damages aimed at punishing Midstream for their gross negligence.
Representing Devin Price are attorneys Ryan H. Zehl, Michael E. Streich, and Paige E. Lawrence from Zehl & Associates PC based in Houston. The case is presided over by Judge Christopher Matthews under Case ID 2024-72122.