David Esparza has filed a lawsuit against two major companies, claiming severe injuries from a workplace accident due to their negligence. The complaint was filed by David Esparza in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, on January 23, 2025, naming Occidental Petroleum Corporation and Sharp Roustabout & Construction, LLC as defendants.
According to the petition, David Esparza was injured on January 10, 2025, while working at an oil and gas drilling location in West Texas owned or controlled by the defendants. A heavy piece of equipment fell onto his hand and arm, causing traumatic injuries including crushed fingers and a torn tendon. Esparza alleges that the defendants' negligence in maintaining a safe work environment led to this incident. The lawsuit accuses the companies of various forms of negligence such as failing to ensure proper safety measures were in place, inadequate training and supervision of workers, and rushing work without addressing safety concerns. "Defendants’ negligent acts created a dangerous situation that increased the risk of harm," claims the petition.
Esparza's legal team argues that Occidental Petroleum Corporation may also be liable under premises liability standards if they owned or controlled the area where he was injured. They claim that Occidental failed to warn him about or rectify dangerous conditions at the site. Furthermore, the lawsuit suggests intentional torts were committed by encouraging unsafe work practices despite knowing the risks involved. The complaint asserts that any reasonable company would have foreseen potential catastrophic mistakes given these conditions.
The plaintiff seeks damages exceeding $1 million for various losses including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, mental anguish, impairment, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life and consortium. Additionally, exemplary damages are sought due to what is described as gross negligence by the defendants. Esparza’s attorneys from Morrow & Sheppard LLP are requesting a jury trial for this case.
Representing David Esparza are attorneys Nicholas A. Morrow, John D. Sheppard, and Michael R. Null from Morrow & Sheppard LLP based in Houston. The case is presided over by Judge Taiasha Bradford in Harris County's 152nd Judicial District Court with Case ID 2025-04656.