A recent court filing alleges severe negligence on the part of a subcontractor, resulting in significant injuries to an employee. The complaint was filed by Jose Ivan Tabares in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, on September 20, 2024, against Primoris Services Corporation and ARB, Inc., both doing business as ARB Underground.
According to the complaint, Tabares was working at a job site near Casitas Pass Road in Ventura, CA, on June 6, 2024. He was employed by So Cal Gas (SCG), which had hired ARB as a subcontractor to assist with testing approximately ten miles of existing pipeline. ARB had created an 18-foot test head known as a hydro test manifold for this purpose. However, ARB allegedly left a large tool called a "PIG" inside the test head during gas testing and failed to disclose its presence. As a result, the tool shot out at high speed and struck Tabares, causing serious injuries.
The plaintiff asserts that ARB controlled and maintained the test head and job site where the incident occurred. The complaint further alleges that all defendants were negligent in their duties to ensure safety at the job site. Specifically, they failed to exercise due care in ownership, construction, operation, and maintenance of the test head and job site. They also failed to keep the area in a reasonably safe condition or provide adequate warnings about potential dangers.
Tabares is seeking general damages according to proof for his physical injuries and emotional distress. He also seeks special damages for medical expenses incurred and future costs related to his injuries. Additionally, he requests prejudgment interest and coverage for legal costs associated with the suit.
The case is being handled by Andres N. Lugo from Heimanson & Wolf LLP on behalf of Tabares. The case ID is 2024CUPP030921.