Oil worker wants $2.5 million for groin injury

An oil well worker has filed a lawsuit after he slipped on equipment and fell, injuring his groin.

Belvin J. Savoy filed suit against LLog Exploration Company and Hercules Drilling Co. July 9 in federal court in New Orleans.

The alleged incident occurred in September 2009 while Savoy was attempting to log a new well, which required him to climb onto a system of valves and run his equipment down into the hole to gauge the well. Savoy states that the location of the wellhead did not have proper scaffolding so he found it necessary to climb on top of the equipment in order to do his work.

"Complainant was attempting to open a valve known as a halco valve, which was stuck, with a 24-inch pipe wrench, and as he placed his foot on a wheel valve for leverage, suddenly and without warning, the wheel slipped, causing him to lose his balance, where he fell in a straddling position, striking a piping system in the groin area, resulting in serious injuries and other damages," the lawsuit reads.

Savoy claims the defendants installed the systems of valves on the wellhead but failed to properly secure a wing valve with a lock pin.

The defendants are accused of negligence for failing to provide a safe place to work, failing to provide properly trained personnel, failing to properly maintain the well and valve systems, failing to provide adequate safety equipment, failing to advise or warn of hazards, failing to properly supervise and direct operations, failing to intervene to prevent unsafe working conditions and failing to install a pin lick on a wheel valve.

Savoy is seeking more than $2.5 million in damages for lost wages, medical expenses, lost fringe benefits, pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement, loss of physical function, loss of ability to enjoy life, loss of ability to pursue happiness, inconvenience, embarrassment, interest, punitive damages and attorney fees.

Savoy is represented by J. Michael Stefanski of Edwards, Stefanski & Zaunbrecher in Crowley.

U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv01936