Gudeil Gonzales and Ruth Stewart have filed a lawsuit seeking over $1 million in damages against multiple companies, alleging negligence that led to severe injuries. The complaint was filed on February 7, 2025, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, targeting defendants including Coby Chase Kinard and several oilfield service companies.
The plaintiffs, Gudeil Gonzales and his wife Ruth Stewart, claim that on November 2023, Gonzales suffered catastrophic injuries while working at a well site in Orla, Texas. The site was allegedly owned or operated by Pilot Water Solutions LLC and its affiliates. According to the petition, Gonzales was struck by arcing electricity from an energized line while unloading materials from a forklift owned by KC Light Towers LLC. This incident resulted in life-altering injuries for Gonzales, including third-degree burns and amputations.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of failing to coordinate work effectively, neglecting to implement safety procedures, and not de-energizing electrical lines which were proximate causes of the accident. The plaintiffs argue that these failures amount to negligence and gross negligence under Texas law. "Defendants’ breach of duty proximately caused injuries to Plaintiffs," states the complaint.
Gonzales's wife is also claiming loss of consortium due to her husband's injuries. They are seeking compensation for medical expenses incurred and anticipated future costs related to his treatment. Additionally, they are pursuing damages for physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of earnings capacity, and other associated losses.
Represented by attorneys from Abraham Watkins Nichols Agosto Aziz & Stogner along with Hightower Franklin & James PLLC, the plaintiffs demand exemplary damages citing gross negligence on part of the defendants. They emphasize that but for the negligent actions of Coby Kinard and others involved with W.M. Oilfield Services Inc., Pilot Water Solutions Permian LLC among others; such devastating outcomes could have been avoided.
The case has been assigned Case ID 2025-08937 with Judge Tayler Hatcher presiding over proceedings at Court 165 in Harris County District Court.