Central Texas limestone mine when the fuel tank he was working on exploded, engulfing his body in flames and throwing him twenty feet to the ground. Richard injured his back and suffered severe burns to his legs and arms. While he was still in the hospital, his wife called on us to help. We immediately started recording witness statements, taking photographs, retaining the necessary experts, and opening dialogue with the medical providers.
Our investigation revealed that the explosion happened because an employee of the mine arced a welding rod near the fuel tank, which had not been cleaned and flushed as required before commencing the work. The mine company claimed that they had not done anything wrong and refused to pay. After eighteen months of litigation over contested liability, involving depositions, expert reports, and two mediations, the case settled before trial for $1,550,000. Of that amount, attorney’s fees were $620,000, and case expenses, including expert fees, totaled $27,000.
The net recovery to our client totaled $902,423.