Man sues Performance Drilling, others over accident that left him a quadriplegic

CHARLESTON - A former employee is suing Enervest Operating LLC for work-related injuries he suffered as a result of an unsafe working environment.

Performance Drilling LLC, Performance Energy Partners LLC and Raptor Consulting Services LLC were also named as defendants in the suit.

On Nov. 1, 2011, Troy N. Frederick was working as a floorhand for Performance Drilling on the cellar floor of the Ringer No. 3 well, preparing the well head for the installation of the blowout preventer, according to a complaint filed April 8 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Frederick claims immediately prior to the incident, the blowout preventer was suspended above the ground and was being held away from the wellhead by a winch that was connected to the rigging system and/or lifting device so that final preparations could be made at the wellhead prior to connecting the blowout preventer.

At that point, the blowout preventer suddenly broke loose due to the unsafe, defective and/or inadequate rigging system and/or lifting device that was being used to hoist and/or suspend the blowout preventer, causing it to swing free, striking Frederick and severely injuring him, according to the suit.

Frederick claims the defendants engaged in negligence in failing to provide him with a safe place to work and in failing to properly train and give adequate warnings to him about the dangerous conditions and inconspicuous hazards existing at the well site.

As a result of the defendants' actions, Frederick sustained a severed spinal cord, rendering him a quadriplegic; a traumatic amputation of his right thumb; a fractured jaw; and other permanently disabling injuries, according to the suit.

Frederick claims he also suffered extreme physical pain and suffering; extreme mental anguish and suffering; permanent physical and psychiatric impairment; loss of wages and benefits; loss of future earning capacity and benefits; loss of capacity to enjoy life and engage in normal activities; medical expenses; and permanent scarring and disfigurement.

The defendants' actions caused Frederick to sustain losses and damages that he will suffer for the remainder of his life, according to the suit.

Frederick is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Robert M. Williams and Edwin H. Pancake of Maroney, Williams, Weaver & Pancake PLLC.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 13-C-693