Wrongful Death of a Young Man Due to Negligence

Greg Owen

Attorney

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A Dallas jury awarded $18.9 million to the widow of a man who was killed in an explosion at a TXI facility in Midlothian, Texas. Gordon Rutherford, 34, was killed in January 2003 while employed by a contractor to TXI. He was working in an area that was close to a scrubber that contained materials that were extremely hazardous and flammable.

While working, more than 5 tons of combustible plastics caught fire and completely engulfed Mr. Rutherford. To add to that tragedy, a crane malfunctioned at the site of the incident. As a result, he was left suspended 90 feet in air. The other workers at the scene were burned and had to be rushed to hospital.

It was deemed that the company's equipment was not properly maintained. Additionally, the crew was not adequately warned or properly equipt with fire extinguishing devices. "This trial was about determining how seriously companies should take plant safety. After hearing evidence about the wrongful death of Gordon Rutherford for almost four weeks, the jury rejected the notion that industrial plants can maintain a blind eye to the dangers their workers face," said Michael Heygood attorney for Mrs. Rutherford.