In a dramatic legal move, a Texas resident has filed a lawsuit against a company for negligence following a harrowing workplace accident that left him severely injured. Randall Scott Mize, the plaintiff, submitted his complaint on April 30, 2025, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, accusing CherCo Ventures, LLC of negligent and grossly negligent conduct that resulted in life-altering injuries.
The case stems from an incident on January 11, 2025, when Mize was working at the Hobart Ranch Plant in Hemphill County. The facility is owned and operated by CherCo Ventures. Mize alleges that while performing demolition services as part of his job duties—specifically cutting through pipes—a flammable liquid unexpectedly gushed out and ignited, engulfing him in flames. This tragic event caused Mize to suffer second- and third-degree burns on various parts of his body including his legs, thighs, wrists, and face. As detailed in the petition: "Plaintiff suffered second- and third-degree burns to his legs and inner thighs, wrists, and face." Following this traumatic experience, Mize has been unable to return to work due to ongoing physical impairments such as difficulty walking for extended periods and loss of grip strength.
Mize's lawsuit accuses CherCo Ventures of failing to adhere to industry-standard safety protocols which could have prevented the accident. He asserts that the company neglected its duty to properly lock out and tag out gas pipelines at the facility before allowing workers like himself onto the site. The complaint highlights multiple failures by CherCo Ventures including inadequate training of employees regarding safety procedures for handling hazardous materials: "Defendant failed to provide any training on safety policies and procedures... Had Defendant provided proper training...the incident would not have occurred."
Furthermore, Mize argues that CherCo Ventures should be held strictly liable due to the inherently dangerous nature of the work being conducted at their facility. The plaintiff seeks over $1 million in damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering among other claims. Additionally, he requests exemplary damages citing gross negligence by CherCo Ventures which he believes demonstrated "recklessness" and "conscious indifference" towards worker safety.
Representing Randall Scott Mize are attorneys Stuart White (State Bar No. 24075268), Kevin Liles (State Bar No. 00798329), Rob George (State Bar No. 24067623) from Liles White PLLC based in Corpus Christi along with Lane A. Haygood (State Bar No. 24066670) from The Haygood Law Firm located in Odessa Texas; they aim to secure justice through financial compensation as well as punitive measures against CherCo Ventures LLC.
This case has been assigned Case ID 2025-30501 under Judge Williams' jurisdiction within Harris County's District Court system where it awaits further proceedings.