BP Worker Injured in Crane Accident Receives a $1.72 Million Jury Verdict

Arnold & Itkin LLP secured a $1.72 million jury verdict on behalf of a client who was seriously injured in a crane accident at the BP refinery in Texas City, Texas. Attorneys Cory Itkin and Michael Pierce represented Ernesto Tamez, who was injured in the accident on January 18, 2005.

A negligent Maxim Crane Works crane operator swung a heavy oil burner into Mr. Tamez, causing serious injuries to his neck, back and shoulder when he was pinned between the burner and a nearby handrail. Maxim Crane Works initially made no settlement offer prior to the trial, arguing that the accident was Mr. Tamez's fault. The company claimed that 60-year-old Tamez could have sustained some of the injuries as a result of "wear and tear". An issue that added complexity to the case was that Mr. Tamez and his wife do not speak English and therefore had to testify with the help of a translator.

The jury ruled in favor of Mr. Tamez after the week-long trial. They found that Maxim Crane Works was 100% at fault for the accident and awarded Mr. Tamez and his wife $1.72 million. Through the four years that this case lasted, Arnold & Itkin LLP stood by Mr. Tamez and helped him get the medical attention and financial compensation he needed.

The case was pending in Galveston County, Texas. The Honorable Judge David E. Garner presided.

Attorney's fees and expenses totaled $736,778.