A pipe transfer on a land rig
Osiel worked as a casing hand for Express Energy Services at a land-based rig that Nabors Drilling operated in Gillette, Texas. He was flagging a Nabors employee who was using a crane to move pipe from the V-door to the rig floor.
The crane operator maneuvered the load improperly, and the pipe struck Osiel’s left arm. Osiel underwent surgery that required hardware in his arm. He missed six months of work before returning to his job with Express Energy Services.
Prior crane problems became central evidence
Nabors raised Chapter 95 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code as a defense. Nabors’ knowledge of the crane problem and its failure to warn became central issues.
Through written discovery and deposition testimony, Vuk established that the crane sometimes became stuck before this incident. Nabors knew about that recurring problem but had not fixed it. Vuk used this evidence to address whether Nabors knew of the danger and failed to warn Osiel.
A $350,000 settlement
The parties resolved Osiel’s case for $350,000 after litigation over the crane operation, the known equipment problem and Nabors’ defense. Osiel returned to the oilfield job he had held before the injury.
Tell Us What Happened
Read about oilfield injury claims. To discuss an injury claim with Vuk, call (877) 724-7800 or Tell Us What Happened.
Case questions
Every case is different. Prior results depend on the facts of the individual case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.