2020 June

Photo by Adam Boykin. Attorneys representing explosion victim say safety rules were bypassed. by Steve W Stewart | Jun 16, 2020 | KJAS.com Attorneys representing one of three men who were injured in a summer of 2019 explosion and fire on a Jasper County oil rig say the accident was preventable, and basic safety rules were bypassed. Cody Dishon and Jane Leger with the Ferguson Law Firm, LLC in Beaumont represent Brandon Fregia and his family. Fregia suffered the most serious burns when the explosion occurred at about 10:30 on the morning of August 9th. It happened on a Jeffcoat Production Company rig on County Road 607 between Kirbyville and Buna. Jasper County Sheriff Mitchel Newman was at the scene that morning and he said that the workers were using a temporary derrick and truck commonly known as a "work over rig" to perform maintenance at the well site. Another person at the scene said that the incident occurred as workers were circulating the well and natural gas fumes apparently got into the engine that turns the pump, and despite their efforts to shut the engine and pump down it ran away uncontrolled and then exploded. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that a tank was improperly placed too close to the work area. Dishon said “The oil rig explosion was completely preventable had the Defendants followed basic industry standards. Instead of adhering to basic industry standards, Defendants ignored those standards and chose profits over safety. We hope justice is served and the companies here change their attitude towards safety.” Fregia reportedly suffered severe burns from the waist up. He was flown from the scene by medical helicopter to a Galveston burn unit where he underwent treatment. Dishon said of Fregia’s injuries “There is no question that his life will never be the same.” The attorneys have filed a million lawsuit against Jeffcoat Production Company, Inc., and also Deluxe Lease Maintenance of SETX, both of which are headquartered in Spurger. Dishon summed it up by saying “This case provides another example why Texas consistently leads the nation in serious workplace injuries and deaths.” KJAS News contacted the Jeffcoat Production Company office on June 10th, 2020. A woman who answered the phone said that no one was available for comment, and she was unable to tell us who is acting as their counsel. Oilfield Accident Lawyer | Oilfield Injury Attorney. The oil industry continues to grow with the world’s demand for oil and natural gas. With this increased demand, there has also been an increase in accidents causing serious injury and death to workers who often are inadequately trained or supervised. We offer experienced, strategic support to protect the rights of our clients and their families after suffering a serious oilfield injury or death. CONTACT GIUNTA LAW TODAY Call 800.515.7200 Free Consultation No fees unless you collect After an oilfield accident, it is important to work with an experienced legal team that can collect and preserve all necessary evidence for your case including physical evidence, accident reports, corporate documentation, witness statements, and expert opinions. Our team will begin an immediate investigation to identify the cause of the accident and pursue claims against all liable parties. An oilfield injury or death may be caused by: Company failure to take reasonable precautions. Improper employee training. Oilfield Safety Violations. Improper maintenance of oilfield equipment. Defective products & oilfield machinery. Drug & alcohol abuse. Negligent operation of oilfield equipment. Individuals injured by oilfield accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries, including wrongful death. Our oilfield lawyer team has the legal and medical experience to effectively handle a range of cases involving serious & complex injuries caused by explosions and burns, falls, defective products and equipment, toxic fumes and fires. Giunta law is committed to pursuing an aggressive case against all liable parties and will seek to collect the full compensation you are entitled to for lost wages, pain and suffering, long-term care needs, disability and impairment, and any additional personal or financial losses you have sustained due to an oilfield accident or injury. Oilfield Accidents and Injuries are on the Rise. Oil and gas industry injuries are the most dangerous and fatal in the country. From 2003 to 2010, the U.S. oil and gas industry (both onshore and offshore combined) had a collective fatality rate that was 7 times higher than the rate for all U.S. workers combined. Louisiana had 5 catastrophic refinery and oil rig explosions between January and October 2017, more than any other state in the country. What to do After an Oilfield Accident. Stop working immediately. Report your oilfield injury as soon as possible. Ask for immediate medical treatment. Do not give a formal statement, sign ANY paperwork, or accept any money from the company (besides your normal paycheck) prior to speaking with an experience oilfield accident lawyer. Contact an experienced oilfield accident attorney as soon as possible. If you or a loved one has been injured in an oilfield accident / explosion or a wrongful death has occurred, it is imperative that you Contact Us Today!

2020 June

Attorneys representing explosion victim say safety rules were bypassed

Working Hours & Contact

Phone 1.800.515.7200

Phone 1.214.370.5200

Fax 1.214.370.5735

We Are Here

Giunta Law, P.C.

1919 S. Shiloh Rd., Ste. 610,

Garland, TX 75042