Trial News

Sunoco Logistics hired various contractors to install new pipelines for its Nederland, Texas, chemical plant. Cleveland Integrity Services was the general contractor in charge of construction at the plant. One night, Cleveland directed another contractor’s employees to perform welding work on a closed pipeline near an isolation tool-vapor barrier installed by Carber Holdings, Inc. An explosion occurred, causing the isolation tool to become dislodged and ejected from the pipeline. Luis Valencia, a 27-year-old welder, was struck in the head by the isolation tool, resulting in a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and a facial fracture. Six other pipefitters and welders, whose ages ranged from mid-20s to mid-50s, sustained orthopedic injuries, flash burns, and emotional distress while trying to escape the explosion. Valencia had earned approximately $100,000 annually. His medical expenses were approximately $900,000.

The seven workers sued Cleveland Integrity Services and Carber Holdings, Inc., alleging that Carber had failed to properly install the isolation tool and failed to manage the tool’s gauges. This caused the isolation tool to fail, the plaintiffs argued, leading to volatile vapors coming into contact with the welding work and causing the explosion and fire.

The parties settled for an undisclosed amount.

Citation: Castro v. Cleveland Integrity Servs., No. B-198899 (Tex. Dist. Ct. Jefferson Cty. Jan. 21, 2020).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Benny Agosto Jr., Jonathan Sneed, and Disha Roy, all of Houston.

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