In a dramatic legal move, several companies have filed a complaint seeking to establish their immunity from tort liability following a tragic workplace accident. On April 25, 2025, Lonquist Field Service LLC and its affiliates, along with Westlake Corporation and its subsidiaries, filed a declaratory judgment action in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against Michael DeWayne Humphries, Margaret Elaine Humphries, the Estate of Marcus DeWayne Humphries, and Alexis Nicole Chisholm.
The case stems from a workplace accident that occurred on February 26, 2025, at Starks Brine Field in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. The accident resulted in the death of Marcus DeWayne Humphries while he was working alongside his father, Michael Humphries. Both were employed by Tiger Well Service Inc., which was subcontracted by Lonquist to perform operations at the site owned by Westlake 2 US LLC. The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that they are statutory employers under Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Act (LWCA), thus granting them immunity from tort claims related to this incident.
According to the complaint, Lonquist and Westlake assert that their contracts with Tiger Well Service recognize them as statutory employers of both Michael and Marcus Humphries. They argue that this status provides them with protection under LWCA's exclusive remedy provisions. The plaintiffs claim that "an integral part of Westlake’s business is ensuring a continuous source of brine," making Tiger's work essential to their operations. Consequently, they believe they should be immune from any tort liability arising from Marcus's death.
The plaintiffs are requesting the court to declare that Louisiana law applies to this dispute and confirm their status as statutory employers who are immune from tort liability. They also seek compensation for costs incurred during this legal process. This case underscores the complex interplay between contractual relationships and workers' compensation laws when determining liability in workplace accidents.
Representing Lonquist Field Service LLC and Lonquist & Co., LLC are attorneys Loulan J. Pitre Jr. and Aimee Williams Hebert from Kelly Hart Pitre in New Orleans. Attorneys Christopher P. Ieyoub and Peyton N. Robertson from Plauche Smith & Nieset LLC in Lake Charles represent Westlake Corporation and its affiliates. The case is identified as Case No.: 2:25-cv-00565.