Offshore worker sues after serious burns in “dead” well explosion

A floor hand is suing two Louisiana oil companies for negligence after suffering severe burns from an explosion after being allowed to use an acetylene torch on a well said to be "dead."

Cary A. Bayham, Jr. filed the suit against Grosse Tete Well Service Inc. and Louisiana Delta Oil Company in federal court in New Orleans on July 27, 2011.

On Dec. 1, 2010, Bayham, who was working about the barge Grosse Tete I, was allegedly ordered by his supervisor to cut off bolts with an acetylene torch from the wellhead of the supposedly dead well owned by Louisiana Delta.  Other co-workers were assigned to the task as well. There was an explosion, throwing him off his feet and he ended up with severe burns.

Grosse Tete Well Service is accused of multiple offenses including failure to provide a reasonably safe working place, providing insufficient assistance for the assigned task, advising that the well was "dead" and ordering personnel to use an acetylene torch, negligent direction and supervision and failure to provide a seaworthy vessel and a sufficient crew.

Louisiana Delta Oil Co. is also accused of numerous offenses including failing to ensure the wellhead was free of combustible gases, allowing work to proceed before testing for explosive or combustible gases and failure to provide a reasonable safe facility.

Bayham asks compensation for medical bills, loss of wages and earning capacity, mental and emotional anguish, pain and suffering, permanent disability, loss of enjoyment of life and other damages.

Source: Louisiana Record