Case at a glance
- Recovery: $5.5 Million Settlement
- Practice: Industrial injuries
- Injury: Severe burns requiring intensive treatment and skin grafts
- Representation: Vuk Vujasinovic and the VB Attorneys team
An assignment outside his training
Jose L. worked as an equipment operator and floater at a Texas quarry. His work did not include the maintenance duties at the center of this case.
According to the lawsuit, a supervisor directed Jose and several other workers to fix a clogged pipe carrying hot water. They did not belong to the maintenance crew. Jose told the supervisor he lacked the qualifications for the task, but the supervisor insisted.
The pipe burst as the workers tried to clear it. Boiling water and steam struck Jose, causing severe burns.
Treatment that extended beyond the hospital
The lawsuit described burns to Jose’s face and torso, more than a month in intensive care or a burn unit, and skin-grafting procedures. His treatment continued beyond that initial hospital stay.
The claim sought compensation for physical pain, disfigurement, impairment, medical treatment and lost earning capacity. It also addressed the effects of the injuries on his family.
Responsibility for the maintenance task
Vuk Vujasinovic and the VB Attorneys team of VB Attorneys represented Jose and his family.
Their lawsuit focused on the decision to assign a hazardous maintenance task to workers who lacked maintenance training. It challenged the companies’ procedures for evaluating the hazard, isolating energy, testing equipment and supervising the work.
The pleadings also examined the roles of the related companies that operated and managed the quarry. They alleged failures in training, safety procedures and equipment. Those allegations formed the family’s case; the parties ultimately resolved the dispute through settlement.
The settlement and the medical-benefit issues
The parties reached a $5.5 million settlement at mediation in January 2025. The judge approved the settlement in April.
The resolution addressed more than the settlement payment. The company also agreed to waive an existing workers’ compensation lien of approximately $890,000 and a future-benefit offset.
Questions about the case
Help after an industrial injury
VB Attorneys represents people injured in industrial accidents. To discuss an injury at a plant, quarry or other worksite, call 877-724-7800 or contact the firm.
Every case is different. Prior results depend on the facts of the individual case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.