GREELEY, Colo. – An oil and gas worker from Weld County who was severely injured in a tank explosion has recently been awarded a $30 million federal jury judgment against a Wyoming field services company.
Steven Straughen, a worker on a Weld County well pad serviced by BHS Inc., suffered a life-altering injury, losing a leg in the explosion, and will require additional surgeries in the future, including knee and hip replacements.
The jury awarded $15 million for pain, suffering, and mental anguish, but current Colorado law imposes a cap on personal injury awards in that category. Straughen, an Air Force veteran and avid outdoorsman, expressed hope for a chance to appeal for access to a larger portion of the award.
There is now a potential push to eliminate Colorado’s statutory caps on pain and suffering awards, leading to discussions about a possible ballot measure known as Initiative 150, which is currently scheduled for a Title Board hearing in March. The initiative aims to lift the cap and could feature in the 2024 election.
Straughen’s attorney, Kurt Zaner, criticized the cap, stating that jurors are not made aware of it before deliberating. The case also involved claims related to loss of potential income, physical impairment, and disfigurement, and Straughen’s wife and well-inspection partner were initially involved in the lawsuit.
The incident occurred in 2019 when Straughen was working as an inspector at a well pad and was inspecting a tank supplied by BHS Inc. The tank exploded, causing significant injuries, and an investigation revealed that defective tanks and poorly maintained equipment had led to the explosion.
Given the severity of his injuries, Straughen faced years of rehabilitation in the hopes of saving a severely damaged foot, but ultimately had to undergo an amputation. The aftermath of the incident has had a profound impact on Straughen’s daily life, and the jury’s decision has shed light on the limitations of the current system.
The case has brought attention to the need for potential changes in Colorado’s laws regarding injury awards, as well as the safety measures and regulations within the oil and gas industry. As Straughen and his legal team continue to pursue avenues for justice, his story serves as a reminder of the long-lasting consequences of workplace accidents.