A crane operator's negligence has allegedly led to serious injuries for a welder at a Texas power plant, sparking a lawsuit seeking over $1 million in damages. Jahir Granados filed the complaint against TNT Crane & Rigging, Inc. on April 9, 2025, in Harris County District Court. The suit accuses the crane company of negligence and gross negligence after an incident in September 2024 where Granados was struck by a shifting I-beam due to improper crane operation.
According to the petition, Granados was employed as a welder by Tower Force, L.L.C., working at the NET Power Demonstration Plant in La Porte, Texas. On the day of the incident, a crane operator from TNT Crane & Rigging was tasked with holding an I-beam steady on a scaffold while Granados prepared to weld it. However, the operator mistakenly lifted the load instead, causing it to shift and strike Granados. This mishap resulted in severe bodily injuries for Granados, who is now seeking redress through legal action.
The lawsuit claims that TNT Crane & Rigging failed in multiple areas of responsibility: "Defendant had a duty to exercise ordinary care," yet allegedly did not implement adequate safety protocols or properly train and supervise their employees. The petition details several points of alleged negligence including failure to enforce safety measures and failure to warn Granados about the potential hazards posed by their operations. These failures are said to have directly contributed to the incident and subsequent injuries suffered by Granados.
Granados is pursuing several types of damages including past and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages and earning capacity, as well as exemplary damages under Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code § 41.001 et seq., due to what he claims was gross negligence on part of TNT Crane & Rigging. The petition argues that "Defendant’s conduct involved an extreme degree of risk" which they were aware of but chose to disregard.
The case highlights significant accusations against TNT Crane & Rigging regarding vicarious liability for their employees' actions under the doctrine of respondeat superior. It also underscores allegations that proper training and supervision were lacking, leading directly to the dangerous situation that caused harm.
Representing Jahir Granados are attorneys Scott P. Armstrong, Kelly M. Viktorin, and Camille B. Gonzales from Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP based in Houston, Texas. The case is filed under Case ID 2025-24770 in Harris County District Court before Judge Bernita Barrett.