Kenneth B. et al. v. Paccar, Incorporated, d/b/a Peterbilt Motor Company: Mr. LaGarde obtained a jury verdict of $6.7 million for his client, Kenneth B. His client was preparing to erect an oil rig derrick when a Peterbilt truck backed up without warning and crushed him against a bulldozer. Mr. LaGarde’s client’s right arm was amputated above the elbow. Mr. LaGarde established that the truck should have had a backup alarm to alert workers that the truck had shifted into reverse.
Leland C. v. Cudd Energy Services: Mr. and Mrs. LaGarde represented an oilfield worker from Houma, Louisiana who was injured on an oilfield snubbing unit. A hydraulic malfunction caused tong arms to swing out without warning, resulting in a total loss of hydraulic pressure and a free-fall of a pipe elevator into a work basket. The client suffered facial fractures and a traumatic brain injury. A favorable, confidential pre-trial settlement was reached.
Ralan R. v. Rowan Drilling: Mr. LaGarde represented a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury after a mud pump belt guard fell over onto him, crushing his skull. Mr. LaGarde was prepared to prove at trial that the belt guard was top-heavy and that the placement of the loading hooks on top of the belt guard made it unreasonably dangerous. A favorable, confidential settlement was reached before trial.
Lesley H. v. M&H, Newfield Exploration and Island Operating: Mr. LaGarde represented a client who suffered a disabling injury to his left knee when he stepped back into a hole left in the deck grating of an offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. LaGarde was prepared to show at trial that the defendants failed to exercise reasonable care to repair the hole in the deck grating and failed to warn of the hole pending its repair. A favorable, confidential pre-trial settlement was reached.
