Jury Awards $30 Million to Fracking Worker Injured in Explosion

April 16, 2024 — A jury in Colorado has awarded $30 million to an oilfield worker who was injured when a fracking tank exploded.

Unfortunately, he will only get about half of the $30 million verdict due to state laws capping damages.

The man, Stever Straughen, suffered life-threatening injuries when a fracking tank he was working on exploded in December 2019.

His employer, BHS (owned by DHI Energy Service), was found to be liable for his injuries because the defective tank had pinholes in it, which allowed oxygen to mix with the volatile chemicals.

According to the OSHA report, he was thrown 27 feet laterally and 10 feet up into the air, resulting in a severe foot injury when he landed. Despite years of rehabilitation, he ultimately needed a leg amputation.

“I essentially broke my right ankle, my right knee, my left hip, open book pelvic fractures it’s called, my back in a few places, broke all of my ribs. Broke my jaw, hit my head pretty good, some damage to internal organs as well,” he said.

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