John Gibson Wins Jury Trial for Oilfield Worker Involved in Fatal Explosion
Continuing on his success only a few weeks ago, John Gibson won a jury trial in Midland County today for an oilfield worker who was injured in an oilfield explosion that took the life of his supervisor and injured several people. The worker, an equipment technician, was at the controls of a shut-off valve when the crew was pressurizing a pipe. The pipe overpressurized and exploded. The worker sought workers compensation benefits for post traumatic stress disorder and depression. The insurance company denied the benefits and when the Division of Workers' Compensation ruled in favor of the worker, the insurance carrier filed suit against him in a Midland County District Court. Had the insurance carrier won the lawsuit, it could have petitioned the state for tens of thousands of dollars in benefits to be paid back out of a state fund. With this win, the worker remains entitled to lifetime medical benefits and the State of Texas keeps the money in the state coffers.
