Shawn Hodges vs.  Carol Crane Rigging & Lifting Technology Inc., et al

Case Background

On April 1, 2022, Plaintiff  Shawn Hodges filed a Premises Liability lawsuit in the District Court of Harris County, Texas State (Case number: 202220044). Donna Roth presided over this case.

Cause

A severe industrial ladder accident occurred on February 16, 2022, at Carol Crane Rigging & Lifting Technology’s facility at 3629 Pasadena Boulevard, Pasadena, Texas. Shawn Hodges, an Aggreko employee, suffered a devastating ladder fall injury while performing his regular duties. The incident unfolded when Hodges descended a ladder that employees of Carol Crane had failed to secure properly. The ladder’s base unexpectedly slipped away from the wall, causing a catastrophic construction site fall. This workplace safety violation led to Hodges crashing to the ground, marking a significant occupational hazard incident.

Injuries

The industrial ladder accident caused serious and permanent bodily injuries to Hodges. The construction injury created immediate physical trauma requiring extensive medical intervention. The workplace fall resulted in lasting disabilities that significantly impacted his daily life and work capabilities. The severity of his injuries underscored the importance of strict construction site safety protocols, which Carol Crane failed to uphold according to the lawsuit.

Damages

The premises liability lawsuit documented extensive damages stemming from the workplace safety incident. Hodges endured severe physical pain and ongoing mental anguish following the industrial ladder accident. The workplace incident substantially reduced his earning capacity, resulting in significant lost wages. Continuous medical treatment for his injuries led to mounting healthcare expenses. The accident caused permanent disfigurement and physical impairment, severely affecting his quality of life.

Hodges’ legal team estimated damages exceeding $1,000,000, with provisions for adjustment as additional construction injury compensation details emerged. The lawsuit sought pre-judgment interest, court costs, and additional damages. It aimed to hold Carol Crane Rigging & Lifting Technology, Inc. and Carol Rigging & Lifting Engineering, LLC jointly and severally liable for all compensation related to the industrial ladder accident.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Shawn Hodges
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Michael Stephen Callahan
  • Defendant(s): Carol Crane Rigging & Lifting Technology Inc. | Carol Rigging & Lifting Engineering, LLC
    • Counsel for Defendants: David W. Medack | Brian Peel

Claims

The premises liability claim focused on multiple workplace safety violations. The defendants, including Carol Crane, failed to uphold proper ladder safety protocols, creating hazardous working conditions. Their negligence included inadequate safety policies, insufficient employee training, and poor supervision. The construction site accident occurred because the ladder was not properly secured, violating operational safety standards. The industrial accident liability extended to both property maintenance and workplace safety protocols.

Defense

In their defense, Carol Crane Rigging & Lifting Technology, Inc. and Carol Rigging & Lifting Engineering, LLC presented multiple arguments. They claimed Hodges contributed to his ladder fall injury by neglecting standard safety practices, such as inspecting equipment before use. They also argued that Hodges, as an experienced worker, assumed the inherent risks of construction work and used the ladder despite visible dangers.

The defendants shifted blame to Aggreko, asserting that Hodges’ employer failed to provide adequate training and supervision for ladder safety. They maintained Aggreko’s workplace safety violations were the primary cause of the industrial ladder accident. Further, they argued they lacked exclusive control over the accident site, which involved multiple contractors, limiting their liability under premises liability principles.

The defendants also disputed the extent of Hodges’ claimed injuries and their connection to the workplace accident. They suggested pre-existing conditions contributed to his physical state and challenged the severity of his earning capacity loss. Procedural defenses included questioning the timing and preservation of evidence for certain claims, arguing that some fell outside the statute of limitations.

Jury Verdict

On November 20, 2024, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendants, Carol Crane Rigging & Lifting Technology, Inc. and Carol Rigging & Lifting Engineering, LLC. After carefully reviewing the evidence and arguments, the jury concluded that the defendants were not liable for Shawn Hodges’ injuries stemming from the industrial ladder accident.

Court Documents:

Available Upon Request