Burn Victim Sues Houston-based Black Elk Energy over Injuries from Oil Platform Explosion

HOUSTON, Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A worker who suffered disfiguring burns in a deadly explosion last year on an oil production platform in the Gulf of Mexico is suing Houston-based Black Elk Energy LLC, the Wood Group USA Inc. and others based on claims that their negligence led to his horrific injuries.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Renato Dominguez by attorneys Jason Itkin, Cory Itkin and Noah Wexler of Houston-based Arnold & Itkin LLP and Reda Hicks at Diamond McCarthy LLP in Galveston County Court at Law. Mr. Dominguez claims the companies in charge of the platform failed to properly train and supervise workers; didn't provide adequate safety equipment or medical treatment; didn't inspect the platform; and violated federal labor laws and other regulations.

Mr. Dominguez, who was working as a pipefitter at the production site, is one of several Filipino workers injured in the Nov. 16, 2012, explosion that left three men dead. After treatment in a hospital in Baton Rouge, La., he has been recovering in Galliano, La.

Jason Itkin, co-founder of Arnold & Itkin, says his client is an unfortunate example of yet another worker who suffered unnecessary injuries because safety protocols weren't followed properly.

"Renato is seeking justice from the companies whose negligence forever changed his life," the attorney says. "The horror of this accident could have been prevented had the platform operators followed standard safety and workplace regulations."

Mr. Dominguez, 53, suffered extensive burns on his face and most of his body during the explosion. Despite multiple surgical procedures to apply skin grafts, he remains permanently disfigured and continues to be in pain every day.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages. Other defendants include various units of Black Elk and Louisiana-based companies Compass Engineering & Consultants LLC, Shamrock Management LLC and Enviro-Tech Systems LLC.

The lawsuit is Renato Dominguez v. Black Elk Energy, LLC, et al., No. CV-70916.

For more information about the lawsuit, please contact Kit Frieden at 800-559-4534 or [email protected].

SOURCE Arnold & Itkin LLP