Trial Magazine

Steven Straughen, a 36-year-old well supervisor, was working at a fracking facility in Greeley, Colo., when an explosion occurred. He suffered multiple injuries, including fractures to his pelvis, head, ribs, tibia, and spine. He also sustained a traumatic brain injury and a lacerated spleen. He underwent a below-the-knee amputation and may require future surgeries. His past medical expenses were $775,000. Straughen had earned approximately $100,000 annually but was unable to return to work in the oil and gas industry. He now works in the information technology field.

Straughen sued BHS, Inc., which provided tanks for the flow of gas, water, and oil; and Dalbo, Inc., the parent of BHS, alleging the explosion resulted from faulty frac tanks that contained holes and were corroded. The plaintiff also alleged that Schneider Summit Services, LLC, which managed operations at the site, had negligently overseen the tanks. BHS denied liability and asserted that other parties were at fault, including Straughen’s employer, Skyline Well Testing.

The jury awarded $30 million, apportioning fault at 80% to BHS, 15% to Skyline, and 5% to Schneider Summit Services.

Citation: Straughen v. BHS, Inc., No. 21CV2230 (D. Colo. Feb. 15, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Kurt Zaner, Lia Rottman, and AAJ member Adam Fonta, all of Denver.

Plaintiff experts: Sherry Young, occupational therapy, Arvada, Colo.; James Schraa, neuropsychology, Denver; John Hughett, petroleum drilling, Dallas; and Jeffrey Berliner, life care planning, Englewood, Colo.

Defense experts: Aubrey Corwin, life care planning, Boulder, Colo.; David Watson, petroleum, Oklahoma City, Okla.; and Paul DeBoer, financial analysis, Denver.