Explosion

Weld County Worker Awarded $30 Million in Damages Following Tank Explosion, Sparks Push to Eliminate Pain and Suffering Caps

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GREELEY, Colo. – A federal jury has awarded a $30 million judgment to an oil and gas worker who was severely injured in a tank explosion in Weld County, Colorado. Steven Straughen, an Idaho native working for BHS Inc., lost a leg in the explosion and will require additional surgeries. The jury awarded $15 million for pain, suffering, and mental anguish, but current Colorado law limits personal injury awards in this category to about $600,000. Straughen may not receive the full amount as a result. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about the outcome and is grateful … Read more

Colorado Oilfield Worker Awarded $30 Million After Fracking Tank Explosion, But State Law Limits Payout

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GREELEY, Colorado — A Colorado jury has awarded $30 million to an oilfield worker who suffered severe injuries in a fracking tank explosion in Weld County four years ago. However, due to state law limitations on damage payouts, the worker will not be able to collect the full amount. This verdict comes as a group called Coloradans for Accountability, supported by the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, is pushing for a ballot initiative to eliminate the cap on non-economic damages in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. The injured worker, Steven Straughen, who is a married … Read more

Lawsuit Filed After Deadly Refinery Explosion Claims the Life of Young Worker in Lemont

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Lemont, Illinois – A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a 25-year-old worker who lost his life in an explosion and fire at Seneca Petroleum’s refinery last year. The incident also resulted in injuries to another worker. The lawsuit, filed by Clifford Law Offices in Chicago, names Seneca Petroleum, PDV Midwest Refining, and Citgo Petroleum Corporation as defendants. The victim, Dru Worker of Homewood, tragically died on April 25 in the incident at the refinery located in unincorporated Lemont. The lawsuit alleges that there was a blockage or plug in the piping … Read more

Employees File Lawsuit Following Sandman Signature Hotel Explosion, Alleging Negligence and Ignored Safety Concerns

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Fort Worth, Texas – A third lawsuit has been filed in the aftermath of the explosion at the Sandman Signature Hotel in Fort Worth. The victims in this latest lawsuit allege that their safety was disregarded by the defendants. The first lawsuit was filed by a man who claims he was injured while attempting to escape from the blast. He is suing Atmos Energy, the natural gas company, and the hotel, alleging negligence. Now, the lawyer representing Jose Mira, an employee of the hotel, has also filed a lawsuit against Atmos Energy and the hotel. … Read more