A Texas resident has taken legal action against two companies, alleging negligence and gross negligence that led to severe injuries sustained at a refinery. Rigoberto Saenz filed the complaint in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, on December 27, 2024, naming Excel Modular Scaffolding and Leasing Corporation and Blanchard Refining, LLC as defendants.
The case stems from an incident on March 13, 2023, when Saenz reportedly suffered significant injuries due to a fall at the Marathon Petroleum refinery in Texas City. The plaintiff claims that while working for TWS, he fell onto scaffolding that was allegedly erected and maintained by Excel Modular Scaffolding and Leasing Corporation. Saenz asserts that an oil-like substance on the scaffolding contributed to his fall. Blanchard Refining Company is implicated as they were overseeing the project and had hired Excel Modular for their services.
Saenz's lawsuit accuses both companies of multiple acts of negligence. He alleges they failed to inspect his work area adequately for unsafe conditions and did not enforce policies ensuring the safety of scaffolding. Furthermore, he claims they neglected to address dangerous conditions promptly and failed to provide adequate medical treatment following his accident. The complaint highlights that these failures violated local, state, and federal laws designed to protect workers like him from such hazards.
In addition to negligence claims, Saenz charges both defendants with gross negligence. He argues that their actions demonstrated a reckless disregard for safety standards and exhibited conscious indifference towards potential harm to workers. As a result of these alleged oversights and misconducts, Saenz seeks damages exceeding $1 million for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, impairment, disability, disfigurement, loss of consortium, among other losses.
The plaintiff is represented by attorneys Benny Agosto Jr. and Barney P. Dill from Watkins Nichols & Stogner law firm based in Houston. The case is presided over by Judge Tianni Williams under Case ID 2024-89286 in the 157th Judicial District Court of Harris County.