GREELEY, Colo. — An oil and gas worker in Weld County, Colorado, who was injured in a tank explosion in 2019 has won a $30 million federal jury judgment against a Wyoming field services company.
Steven Straughen, an Air Force veteran from Idaho, was working on a Weld County well pad serviced by BHS Inc. when the explosion occurred. As a result of the incident, he lost a leg and will require future surgeries, including knee and hip replacements.
The jury awarded $15 million of the judgment for pain, suffering, and mental anguish, but current Colorado law limits personal injury awards in that category to about $600,000. Straughen’s attorney, Kurt Zaner, mentioned that trial lawyers are considering pushing for a ballot measure to eliminate the Colorado cap on such pain and suffering awards.
Straughen, who expressed hope for access to more of the award, stated that he believes the jury award is proof that “the system worked the way it’s intended.”
In addition to the pain and suffering damages, Straughen was awarded $10 million for loss of potential income and $5 million for physical impairment and disfigurement. His wife and well-inspection partner were also initial plaintiffs in the lawsuit, but his partner settled earlier and his wife dropped her part of the claim.
The incident occurred while Straughen was inspecting a tank supplied by BHS Inc. According to the initial complaint, the company had delivered defective tanks to the site, allowing oxygen to mix in with volatile chemicals, leading to the explosion.
Straughen, who was thrown 27 feet laterally as a result of the explosion, suffered severe injuries, including broken bones, fractures, and internal organ damage. His children were 2 years old and 2 months old at the time of the incident.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted an investigation and found that the explosive mixture was set off by a nearby burner meant to safely vent the chemicals.
With hopes to raise awareness and potentially change the Colorado caps, Straughen’s attorney will be filing motions to argue that the caps should not apply in his case.
Straughen’s story sheds light on the physical and emotional toll that workplace accidents can have on individuals, and the ongoing efforts to seek justice in the aftermath of such incidents.