A severe workplace accident has led to a legal battle in Texas, as an employee seeks justice for life-altering injuries. Pablo Juarez filed a complaint on March 7, 2025, in the District Court of Harris County against Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc., Patterson-UTI Drilling Company, LLC, and EOG Resources, Inc. Juarez claims that the defendants' negligence resulted in the loss of his finger while working on an oil rig.
The lawsuit arises from an incident on October 18, 2024, when Juarez was employed as a casing hand on the Patterson 883 EOG rig. While positioning equipment during routine operations, Juarez's right index finger was crushed between heavy machinery due to what he alleges was a distracted driller's error. Despite immediate medical attention and subsequent transfer to a larger hospital in Odessa, Texas, the injury necessitated amputation at the second joint. Juarez asserts that the defendants were responsible for safety oversight and training at the site and failed to uphold these duties.
Juarez's petition outlines multiple accusations against the defendants under theories of negligence and gross negligence. He contends that they neglected proper supervision and training of employees, failed to enforce adequate safety measures and policies, and operated with insufficient crew numbers. The plaintiff further argues that these failures constitute gross negligence given their awareness of potential risks involved in such operations. The legal document states: "Defendants’ conduct constitutes negligence as recognized under Texas law," emphasizing their liability for his injuries.
In pursuit of redress for his suffering and losses, Juarez is seeking monetary relief exceeding $1 million for damages including past and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. Additionally, he requests exemplary damages aimed at punishing the defendants for their alleged gross negligence.
Representing Pablo Juarez are attorneys William G. Hagans and Stephanie M. Taylor from Hagans Law Firm based in Houston. The case is being heard by Judge Marilyn Burgess in Harris County’s 215th Judicial District Court under Case ID 2025-15696.