Plaintiffs Injured in Oil & Gas Well Blowout Secure $8.3 Million Settlement

In the summer of 2018, our clients were among a five-man crew in a work basket positioned 100ft above a high-pressure gas well. The crew were involved in a snubbing operation when a catastrophic failure occurred, causing the well to blow out. With no safe means of egress, our clients remained engulfed in the high-pressure fumes for several minutes before finally managing to reach the crane basket to escape.  

Severe Injuries from Oil & Gas Industry Accident 

The injuries sustained by our clients were life-altering and required extensive medical treatment: 

• One plaintiff had preexisting neck and back pain, which were both made worse by this incident, necessitating epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, and surgery. This plaintiff now also suffers from PTSD, hearing loss, vertigo, and depression. 

• Another plaintiff aggravated a prior knee injury to the point of requiring surgery. While initially successful, a recurrent meniscus tear caused his symptoms to return. A revision surgery was recommended but delayed due to complications. 

Legal Battle and Successful Settlement

Liability was heavily contested among multiple defendants, with some attempting to place blame on the injured workers. Additionally, the engineering firm involved in the snubbing operation had limited insurance coverage, raising concerns about potential compensation. As the trial date approached in February 2025, the defendants made a collective settlement offer totaling $8,325,000 – an offer significantly higher than any previous proposals. The plaintiffs accepted the offer, resolving the matter before the trial began.

Expert Legal Representation for Oil & Gas and Offshore Injuries

Attorneys Blake David, Reed Ellis, and Christopher Purser were fully prepared to take the case to trial, but their strategic preparation and negotiation skills led to a favorable settlement on the night before the jury trial was set to commence. At Broussard, David & Moroux, we are dedicated to securing the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Experienced Catastrophic Personal Injury Lawyers 

At Broussard, David & Moroux, we have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle complex cases involving: 

•  Catastrophic personal injuries 

•  Oil and gas industry accidents 

•  Workers’ compensation claims 

•  Offshore injuries 

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact Broussard, David & Moroux today. We are committed to fighting for fair compensation and justice for our clients. Call (337) 233-2323 (local) or (888) 337-2323 (toll-free) to schedule a consultation.