Georgia oil field worker sues after wellhead pin ejects and strikes shin

NEW ORLEANS - A Georgia oil field worker has filed a lawsuit claiming that he suffered severe injuries to his shin when a pin ejected out of a wellhead and hit him.

Cyprain Ukudi filed suit against McMoran Oil & Gas on Sept. 12 in Orleans Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on Dec. 21.

The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 27, 2011 while Ukudi was working for Alliance Oil Field Services and was involved in a temporary project on a platform owned by the defendant. As Ukudi was assisting in separating the wellhead from the well bore, a tubing hanger pin ejected out of the tubing hanger head, striking Ukudi in the shin.

According to the lawsuit, it was discovered that the pressure in the wellhead had not been properly bled, leading to the ejection of the tubing hanging pin.

The plaintiff is seeking more than $50,000 in damages for physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, discomfort, mental anguish, distress, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, medical expenses, interest, and court costs.

Ukudi is represented by Metairie attorney Scott LaBarre. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:12-cv-03020