Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner In The News

Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is the longest standing personal injury law firm in Texas. Over the years, we have obtained millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of accident victims.

Our attorneys are frequently interviewed, and our firm is often cited in news outlets in Texas and nationwide. Below is a sampling of recent media mentions.

If you wish to speak to an attorney in a free consultation, please call our Houston law office at (713) 222-7211.

Media Mentions

Grieving family files $150 million lawsuit against pinnacle propane
January 22, 2024 (FOX 26)
 – A Spring family has filed a $150 million lawsuit against ‘Pinnacle Propane’ and one of its drivers, Daniel Dunbar, after a deadly crash earlier this month. The family, mourning the loss of Yuliana and Jonathan Castillo, alleges that Dunbar failed to control his speed.

Houston family sues refrigeration company after driver kills 7-year-old son
October 4, 2023 (FOX 26)
 – A Houston-area family is suing a national commercial refrigeration company after one of their drivers crashed into them, killing their 7-year-old son.

Lawsuit filed against equipment-hauling company, driver after 7-year-old killed on way to school
October 4, 2023 (ABC 13)
 – Eyewitness News is digging up driving records involving a company whose driver crashed with a family whose 7-year-old died.

‘I’m not surprised’: Families worry after 2nd incident at Texas City refinery within 2 months
June 28, 2023 (ABC 13)
 – Texas City residents say they’re worried after Marathon Petroleum’s chemical leak marks the second incident within months, but they’re not surprised.

Houston man charged in connection with deadly Tabú nightclub shooting as victim files lawsuit
June 26, 2023 (Houston Chronicle) – Houston police Monday were searching for one of the men accused in connection with a deadly shooting outside a since-shuttered nightclub that left six injured, one of whom later died.

Allowed a culture of violence to thrive’ | Houston nightclub hit with lawsuit after recent shooting
June 26, 2023 (KHOU 11) – Attorneys said Tabú Nightclub owners and operators have failed to implement adequate security measures despite being aware of the long-standing history of violence.

Abraham Watkins obtains $9.8 million verdict against Genie Industries in product liability case
June 6, 2023 (Southeast Texas Record) – On May 23, the law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner obtained a jury verdict for $9,864,571.54 in Leflore County, Mississippi for two clients who lost a loved one as a result of an alleged defective product manufactured and designed by Genie Industries, a press release states.

New report outlines dangers petrochemical workers face
May 26, 2023 (ABC 13) – A new report shows how dangerous a lack of training and awareness had become surrounding a piece of equipment for some in the petrochemical industry.

Attorney files lawsuit on behalf of worker injured in deadly Conroe construction collapse
May 26, 2023 (Click2Houston) – A worker who was among seven injured after a house he was building collapsed during a thunderstorm this week filed a lawsuit against the company builder on Friday.

Worker files lawsuit in deadly Conroe home collapse
May 26, 2023 (FOX 26) – A worker seriously injured in a deadly Conroe home collapse is now filing a lawsuit against the contractor. Two men died and another seven were injured including Omar Jimenez Medina who is now suing Lennar Homes, claiming the builder did not send the workers home and made them seek shelter in the half-constructed home during a storm.

Injured worker suing Marathon Petroleum Refinery
May 17, 2023 (FOX 26) – A lawsuit has been filed by an injured worker following a refinery fire in Texas City.

Family demands answers after man was killed in fire at Marathon Refinery
May 16, 2023 (Click2Houston) – A lawsuit has been filed a day after the deadly fire at the Marathon Petroleum refinery in Texas City. The lawsuit, which was filed by the Abraham Watkins law firm, is on behalf of a worker who claims he was hospitalized with second- and third-degree burns as a result of the fire.

Several residents in Deer Park seeking to file lawsuits following May 5 Shell plant fire
May 12, 2023 (ABC 13) – Deer Park, Texas (KTRK) — After hearing a hiss, and seeing people run, some workers at last week’s Shell plant fire in Deer Park believe they’re lucky to be alive.

3 Shell chemical plant contractors file lawsuit nearly week after Deer Park facility fire
May 12, 2023 (Click2Houston) – Deer Park, Texas – A lawsuit was filed on behalf of three Shell chemical plant contractors, nearly one week after the Deer Park facility caught fire.

Multi-million dollar suit filed after man was killed with a machete
May 3, 2023 (Click2Houston) – Houston — The family of the late Michael Counce has filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against multiple individuals and companies, alleging the defendants failed to maintain a safe work environment after an employee was killed with a machete, a press release states. 

Mom of teen shot to death files a lawsuit against apartment complex
March 22, 2023 (FOX 26) – A Houston area mom says her 16-year-old son would still be alive if not for what she calls “the negligent acts” by the apartment complex where they lived. Yosha Hamilton has now filed a lawsuit against the owners of The Park at Sorrento Apartments in Baytown. Hamilton says dozens of violent crimes in the complex were ignored by management and her 16-year-old son Shane Hamilton was shot and killed in January 2023 right at the family’s front door.

Family of 16-year-old shot to death in January files multi-million dollar lawsuit against Baytown apartment complex
March 22, 2023 (Click2Houston) – The family of a 16-year-old boy who was shot and killed at a Baytown apartment complex in January has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the complex for negligence, according to a release. The companies associated with the Park at Sorento Apartments are accused of disregarding multiple reports of violent criminal activity and another similar shooting in the complex in recent months, as well as complaints of the inoperable gates for years.

2019 Baytown ExxonMobil explosion victim feels only ‘some’ relief after nearly $30M verdict
February 21, 2023 (ABC 13) –  About three and a half years later, a jury awarded five victims almost $30 million following what has been deemed one of the largest industrial explosions on the Gulf Coast. On July 31, 2019, a tower exploded at Baytown’s ExxonMobil’s Olefins chemical plant. ABC13 was there when 66 people were treated for injuries. At the time, officials said the injuries were non-life threatening and none of the injuries required hospitalization. Benny Agosto Jr. represents 20 plaintiffs against Exxon with varying degrees of injuries.

ExxonMobil to pay over $28 million to 5 workers injured in 2019 plant explosion, law firm says
February 21, 2023 (Click2Houston) – A law firm was able to secure over $28 million on behalf of five plant workers who were injured in an explosion at ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant on July 31, 2019, according to a release. The explosion was caused after a line ruptured due to build up of an industrial byproduct, popcorn polymer. The impact from the explosion destroyed the tower and created a fireball approximately 900 feet tall. The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner claim that ExxonMobil had knowledge for decades that popcorn polymer was an extremely hazardous substance that could lead to a large plant explosion and that the company did nothing to implement safety practices to avoid such an event.

Jury Awards $28.5 Million to 5 ExxonMobil Workers Injured in the Baytown Plant Explosion
February 21, 2023 (Houston Press) – A jury has awarded five plant workers injured in the July 31, 2019 explosion at the ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant a total of $28,591,000. During the explosion a fire broke out and toxic emissions were released. The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner represented the five employees, some of whom still work for Exxon, and all of whom were injured to varying degrees. Two of the employees required surgery for their neck and back, respectively. The other two had disc herniations that were handled with injections and other treatment provided by orthopedic surgeons. The final employee had minor injuries, however all five were treated by psychologists or psychiatrists following the event, attorney Benny Agosto said.

Lawsuit claims Uber withholding identity of driver suspected in hit-and-run incident that left victim permanently brain damaged
February 2, 2023 (Click2Houston) –  A lawsuit has been filed by the family of a man who was left with brain damage after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on July 22, 2022. Joaquin Iraheta was outside a popular bar in Midtown when he and his brother called for an Uber after the business closed, according to the lawsuit. Around 2 a.m., the suspected Uber driver that showed up reportedly struck Iraheta with his vehicle and then fled the scene. As a result of the crash, Iraheta says that he suffered a traumatic brain injury.

‘Serious and permanent brain damage’ | Uber named in lawsuit related to alleged hit-and-run that left Houston engineer disabled
February 2, 2023 (KHOU 11) –  Joaquin Iraheta, 34, was once a successful electrical engineer with an energy company. But, after being severely injured, his family said he will likely never work again or live independently. “Memory issues,” Iraheta said when asked what’s been most difficult for him.  “That’s been a big one.” Iraheta was only able to answer a couple of questions during a news conference Thursday with his parents and attorney. During the conference, they spoke about a lawsuit filed against Uber and Shot Bar in Midtown, outside of which Iraheta was severely injured last July.

Indicted janitor who urinated in water bottles infected multiple Houston women with STDs, lawsuit says
January 27, 2023 (Houston Chronicle) – Nine women are suing several Houston businesses alleging nothing was done to protect them from a janitor who purportedly violated their drinking water and gave them all a sexually transmitted infection, according to court records. The women worked at different businesses in an east Houston office building where the janitor, Lucio Diaz, was tasked with cleaning at night.

Houston janitor allegedly peed in water bottles, lawsuit filed after 13 women test positive for STDs
January 26, 2023 (Fox 26 Houston) – A lawsuit was filed against multiple companies after a Houston custodian was arrested back in October 2022 after a worker claimed he gave her an incurable sexually transmitted disease (STD) by peeing in her water bottle. Reports say law firm Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner partnered with Mo Aziz and attorney Morgan Mills, together with Kimberley Spurlock and Samantha Spencer of Spurlock & Associates, P.C. have filed a lawsuit on the behalf of 13 women against companies they say “permitted and disregarded” the actions of Lucio Catarino Diaz.

Lawsuit filed after 13 women claim they contracted incurable STDs from bottles infected by janitor
January 26, 2023 (ABC 13) – A Houston law firm has filed a civil lawsuit against multiple people after 13 women say they contracted incurable sexually-transmitted diseases from a janitor accused of urinating in employee water bottles. Lucio Diaz is charged with indecent assault and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The deadly weapon being his bodily fluids containing Herpes Simplex 1 Virus, according to law firm Abraham Watkins.

Hobby Airport worker wore reflective gear when Republic Waste Services truck hit her, mom says
November 18, 2022 (ABC 13) – The family of a woman hit and killed by a trash truck while riding her bicycle has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Republic Waste Services of Texas and the driver. On Oct. 8, Bre’Ana Powell was crossing Broadway Street in southeast Houston on her bicycle when Houston police say the driver of the 50,000-pound truck made a right turn on to Morley. The 27-year-old was struck and taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Death of 9-year-old student outside Jacinto City home prompts lawsuit
November 16, 2022 (Houston Chronicle) – The family of a 9-year-old killed just steps from his home in Jacinto City has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the owner and driver of the private van that struck him moments after dropping him off, according to legal filings. Attorneys representing the family of the Isaac Villafranca, 9, filed the lawsuit in Harris County District Court against driver Englantina Cantu Lopez and van owner Isidro Lopez, seeking more than $1 million in damages.

Family files wrongful death lawsuit after 9-year-old struck, killed by van after being dropped off at home in Jacinto City
November 16, 2022 (Click2Houston) – The family of a 9-year-old who was struck and killed by the driver of a van who had just dropped him off near his home is now filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver and owner of the vehicle. Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner partner, Brant J. Stogner, and attorney Jen Stogner filed the lawsuit on behalf of Jessica Quintanilla, the deceased 9-year-old, Isaac Villafranca and Veronica Munoz. The lawsuit alleges negligence, negligence per se, negligent entrustment, wrongful death, and survival claims, as well as gross negligence against the driver and the owner of the vehicle.

$1 million lawsuit filed after boy struck, killed after getting off school van
November 16, 2022 (KHOU 11) – The family of a 9-year-old hit and killed by a private van is filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Isaac Villafranca, 9, was killed on Oct. 12 outside his home in Jacinto City. He was a student at Jacinto City Elementary. The Houston law firm Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is representing the family. Jacinto City Police are leading the investigation, but so far no charges have been filed against the driver.

Family files lawsuit against company whose garbage truck driver hit, killed young woman on bicycle
November 14, 2022 (KHOU 11) – The family of a cyclist who was killed is suing the company who owns the garbage truck that hit her last month near Hobby Airport. Bre’Ana Powell, 27, was riding her bike on her way home from work like she did every day when she was hit by a garbage truck at the intersection of Broadway and Morley streets. “There’s bigger picture issues with bicycle safety. We keep on having these incidents in Houston,” Powell family attorney Mo Aziz said. “No one thought this would happen to her at such a young age.

Design flaw in school bus contributed to Brock ISD student’s death, family says in lawsuit
September 14, 2022 (The Dallas Morning News) – The family of a 6-year-old Parker County student who was run over and killed while getting off her school bus in April filed a lawsuit against Brock ISD and bus manufacturer Blue Bird, alleging design flaws in the vehicle led to the girl’s death. The lawsuit, which also names the company that sold the bus to the school district, Rush Truck Centers of Texas, was filed Tuesday in Dallas County district court by the parents of Emory Sayre, who had just gotten off her bus from Brock Elementary School on April 25 when she was struck. It seeks damages in excess of $1 million.

Family of North Texas 6-year-old killed by school bus files lawsuit against district, bus companies
September 14, 2022 (WFAA) – The family of a 6-year-old hit and killed by a school bus in Parker County has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the school district, bus seller and manufacturer. In late April, Tori Sayre was at work when she got a call about her daughter, Emory. “His voice was frantic, and he said, ‘Tori, you need to get home, Emmy’s been hit by the bus,’” Sayre said. A report from the Texas Department of Public Safety found Sayre was hit by the bus she just walked off right in front of her home. 

Parents sue after school bus ran over and killed 6-year-old girl in front of brothers
September 14, 2022 (Independent) – The parents of six-year-old Emory Sayre, who was hit and killed by her own school bus, is suing the school district and two companies responsible for the vehicle. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Sean and Tori Tayre, Emory’s parents, have filed a complaint in Dallas County against the Brock Independent School District as well as the Blue Bird bus manufacturer and Rush Truck Centres of Texas, which sold the school the bus.

Grappling Report: Orlando Sanchez, FloGrappling sued for millions after injuries from illegal slam
August 27, 2022 (Bloody Elbow) – It’s something that’s never really happened in professional grappling before, but a “multi-million dollar” lawsuit has just been launched against a competitor for having caused an injury in competition. The WNO Championships took place towards the end of 2021 and Aaron ‘Tex’ Johnson met Orlando Sanchez in the first round of the Heavyweight division. Johnson managed to secure a triangle choke very early in the match but that’s where it all went wrong. Sanchez then picked him up and slammed him back to the mat, getting disqualified in the process. According to the lawsuit, Johnson suffered ‘severe injuries’ as a result of the impact and ‘will never be able to compete as a professional grappler ever again’.

Aaron ‘Tex’ Johnson Files Lawsuit Against Orlando Sanchez For Illegal Slam
August 27, 2022 (Jits Magazine) – It’s a groundbreaking moment in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu as Aaron ‘Tex’ Johnson has decided to file a lawsuit against Orlando Sanchez for performing an illegal move that resulted in injury. Not just that, but he’s also decided to sue the organization that arranged the competition, FloGrappling, and the referee who presided over the match, Gabriel Martins. The lawsuit filed by Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner alleges that Johnson has suffered ‘severe injuries to his back’ as a result of the illegal slam and he will no longer be able to compete as a professional grappler again.

Fiesta Mart worker claims liquid from cleaning equipment caused her slip & fall
August 17, 2022 (Southeast Texas Record) – A Fiesta Mart worker alleges she slipped on liquid leaking from a defective cleaning machine and suffered injuries. Liboria Garcia filed a complaint July 28 in Harris County District Court against Fiesta Mart LLC alleging negligence and premises liability. Garcia, according to her complaint, was working at Fiesta Mart, a non-subscriber to the Texas Workers’ Compensation program, on June 28, 2021. She alleges that as she was restocking shelves, she slipped and fell on a surfeit of fluid that was ejected by defective cleaning equipment and suffered injuries.

Family of late Houston Rockets scout reaches settlement in wrongful death lawsuit
July 20, 2022 (ABC 13) – In January 2021, Johnson’s family sued Pulice Construction for more than $100 million, alleging that they left a section of the sidewalk unfinished, exposing a 10-foot-long gutter with deep depressions and sharp concrete beams. Johnson, an avid biker whose family says he was wearing a helmet and protective gear, flipped his bike over after running into the project, breaking his neck.

Family of Houston Rockets scout settle wrongful death lawsuit
July 19, 2022 (Houston Chronicle) – The family of longtime Rockets scout Brent “B.J.” Johnson and Pulice Construction, Inc. reached a settlement related to his death in a bicycle accident Oct. 15, 2020. Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, the law firm that represented the family, announced the settlement Tuesday.

Family of Houston Rockets scout settle wrongful death lawsuit
July 19, 2022 (Southeast Texas Record) – Managing partner Benny Agosto Jr. and another attorney of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner announced today that they have reached a confidential settlement on behalf of former Houston Rockets scout Sheffery Brent “BJ” Johnson, his mother, widow, and son against Pulice Construction, a press release states.

Walden on Lake Conroe sued for $1M in boat crash
May 7, 2022 (Houston Chronicle) – A country club on Lake Conroe is now being sued for more than $1 million after five people, including three children, were seriously injured last month when their boat wrecked with the bulkhead of the peninsula where the business is situated. Filed May 2 in Harris County, this latest suit against Walden Country Club asserts the business is at fault for gross negligence and premises liability.

Chemical plant workers injured in tank explosion at Westlake sue
March 30, 2022 (Southeast Texas Record) – Chemical plant workers who were injured in a tank explosion are claiming negligence. Anthony Bailey, Jerod Bonin and Jonathan Tarver filed a complaint March 21 in Harris County District Court against Westlake Chemical Corporation, Westlake Management Services Inc., and Eagle US 2 LLC alleging negligence and premises liability.

Parents of Woman Who Was Killed in Wrong-Way Intoxication Manslaughter Crash Sue the Bars and Driver
March 14, 2022 (Southeast Texas Record) – On Jan. 28 Bellamy was a passenger in Jason Black’s F-150 truck. Jason Cornelius Black was operating his Ford-150 driving the wrong way, headed southbound in the northbound lanes of the Southwest Freeway. Allegedly, Black was intoxicated, driving the wrong way on the Southwest Freeway exit ramp; and caused a major head-on collision.

$100M Lawsuit Filed On Behalf Of 3 Dallas Firefighters Severely Injured In Highland Hills Gas Explosion
February 24, 2022 (CBS DFW) – Attorneys for three Dallas firefighters seriously injured after a natural gas explosion at the Highland Hills Apartments in Oak Cliff on September 29, 2021 have filed a $100,000,000 lawsuit. The three injured firefighters, Captain Christopher Gadomski, Engineer Ronald Hall, and Officer Pauline Perez, sustained significant injuries and burns in the explosion, requiring multiple surgeries and ongoing medical care, according to the suit filed in Dallas County.

Houston Man Electrocuted at the POST Houston Files Lawsuit
February 23, 2022 (Southeast Texas Record) – On Aug. 13, 2021, Jose Mejia was severely injured after being electrocuted while working at the POST Houston – the former Barbara Jordan Post Office. Houston attorneys Benny Agosto, Jr. and Spencer T. Speed of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, along with co-counsel Nicholas Fleming of Fleming Law, have filed a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of the Mejia family in Harris County, Texas against Harvey-Cleary Builders and Lakey Electric Company, a press release states.

Dallas Firefighters Injured in Explosion File Lawsuit Against Apartments, Gas Supplier
February 23, 2022 (NBC DFW) – Three Dallas firefighters who were severely injured in the Highland Hills apartment explosion have filed a lawsuit against Atmos Energy, the apartment complex owners, and the apartment management. The three firefighters, Capt. Christopher Gadomski, Engineer Ronald Hall, and Officer Pauline Perez were severely burned and permanently injured as a result of the natural gas explosion at the Highland Hills Apartments in Oak Cliff on Sept. 29, 2021.

Bomberos de Dallas Demandan Indemnización Tras Explosión de Viviendas
February 23, 2022 (Telemundo Dallas) – También un poco de tema ya pasado medio año desde la explosión en un complejo de apartamentos en el sur de Dallas hoy surge una nueva demanda.

Passenger involved in wrong-way DWI manslaughter crash sues bar that allegedly overserved driver
February 9, 2022 (Southeast Texas Record) – A dram shop seeking more than $1 million in damages was recently filed in Harris County District Court. Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner partner Brant Stogner and attorney Soroush Montazari filed the lawsuit on behalf of Dilma Dos Santos. Dos Santos was a passenger in a vehicle that was struck by a drunk driver that was driving the wrong way on Spur 527. She remains in the hospital and has undergone multiple surgeries.

Houston Community Still Shaking, Rebuilding 2 Years After Deadly Explosion
January 24, 2022 (Fox 26 Houston) – Two years on since a deadly explosion at Watson Grinding and Manufacturing in West Houston many homeowners have rebuilt. However, some houses still sit abandoned and destroyed. The explosion took place early in the morning on January 24th, 2020. According to investigators, the explosion was likely caused by a propylene leak.

HPD, FBI Set Up Website For Public to Upload Pics, Videos From Astroworld Festival Tragedy
January 14, 2022 (Click2Houston) – The Houston Police Department partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to create a website where the public can upload pictures and videos taken during the Astroworld Festival in which 10 people were killed during a massive crowd surge.

Travis Scott Denies Legal Liability in Astroworld Festival Tragedy, Court Documents Show
December 7, 2021 (CNN) – Travis Scott denies allegations, including negligence, in lawsuits filed against him for the Astroworld Festival tragedy, according to court documents filed by Scott’s attorneys and obtained by CNN. More than 140 lawsuits have been filed in the tragedy that left 10 people dead, CNN previously reported. Most allege the defendants were negligent and stood to make huge sums of money from the concert.

Workers Injured in Westlake Chemical Plant Explosion Sue
November 18, 2021 (Southeast Texas Record) – Two Harris County men who were injured in an explosion while working at a chemical plant in Louisiana are claiming negligence. Tyler Terry and Mario Fuentes filed a complaint Nov. 8 in Harris County District Court against Westlake Chemical Corporation, Westlake Chemical Energy LLC and Westlake Chemical OPCP LP alleging negligence and premises liability.

¿Quiénes Son Los Responsables Por La Tragedia En Al Festival Astroworld?
November 14, 2021 (Univision) – Tras la tragedia en el Festival de Astroworld en Houston, Texas, son muchas las preguntas que se hacen las familias de las víctimas. El jefe de la policía de la ciudad dice que la investigación podría llevar semanas o tal vez meses. Benny Agosto Jr, abogado que representa a casi 80 víctimas del concierto, le explica a Jorge Ramos quiénes podrían ser los responsables de esta tragedia.

Texas Legal Excellence Awards 2021 Winners Announced
November 12, 2021 (Texas Lawyer) – The staff at ALM Media and Texas Lawyer is extremely proud to announce this year’s winners of the Texas Legal Excellence Awards 2021. We would also like to recognize all the nominees entered in this year’s awards—thank you for all your hard work this past year.

Travis Scott Concert Disaster Mobilizes Texas Plaintiffs Attorneys
November 10, 2021 (Law360) – Texas plaintiffs attorneys wasted no time in filing more than 16suits against organizers of the Astroworld music festival in Houston after eight concertgoers died and scores more were injured on Friday, reflecting efforts to preserve evidence and the perception that concert promoter giant Live Nation is in a tight spot given the circumstances of the case, experts said.

Pipe Fitter Burned After Pipe Ignites at Crude Oil Terminal, $25M Suit Claims
November 10, 2021 (Southeast Texas Record) – A pipe fitter who suffered burns after a pipe ignited at a crude oil terminal is claiming negligence. Michael Bertrand filed a complaint Nov. 2 in Harris County District Court against Cleveland Integrity Services Inc., National Trench Safety LLC and Admiral Field Servcies LLC alleging negligence.

‘A Massive Case’: Astroworld Organizers Facing Flood of Lawsuits Over Deadly Night
November 8, 2021 (Billboard) – Travis Scott, Live Nation and others involved in organizing Astroworld are facing a flood of litigation following Friday’s deadly crowd surge, legal experts say, with more than a dozen cases already filed and the potential for hundreds of millions in damages or settlements. As of Monday morning, at least 14 lawsuits have already been filed in Houston court over the incident, which left eight dead and dozens more injured. In one case filed Saturday, a victim called the disaster a “preventable tragedy” and accused Scott of having “actively encouraged and fomented dangerous behaviors.”

Benny Agosto Jr. and Nikki Agosto Donate $3 Million to South Texas College of Law Houston to Establish Diversity Center
October 21, 2021 (Texas Bar Blog) – Benny Agosto Jr. and Nikki Agosto donated $3 million to South Texas College of Law Houston, or STCL, to establish a diversity center at the law school. Only one donation to the law school has exceeded this amount. In recognition of the donation, the new center will be named the Benny Agosto Jr. Diversity Center at South Texas College of Law Houston.

Houston Law School Gets $3M from local attorney for new diversity center
October 21, 2021 (Houston Business Journal) – South Texas College of Law Houston has received a $3 million gift for the school’s new diversity center. The donation from Houston trial attorney Benny Agosto Jr. and his wife, Nikki, is one of the largest single gifts to any law school for this purpose, STCL Houston said. In recognition of the gift, the new center will be named The Benny Agosto Jr. Diversity Center at South Texas College of Law Houston. 

Distinguished Attorney Gives Back to His Law School Alma Mater, Donating $3 Million to Establish The Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center at South Texas College of Law Houston
October 20, 2021 (AP News) – Houston trial attorney Benny Agosto, Jr.’s recent gift to establish a diversity center at his alma mater, South Texas College of Law Houston, combined two of his life passions: giving back to the community and encouraging more diversity in the legal field. In grateful recognition of the $3 million gift from Nikki and Benny Agosto, Jr. — one of the largest single gifts to any law school for this purpose — the new center will be named The Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center at South Texas College of Law Houston.

Distinguished Attorney Gives Back to His Law School Alma Mater, Donating $3 Million to Establish The Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center at South Texas College of Law Houston
October 20, 2021 (Business Insider) – Houston trial attorney Benny Agosto, Jr.’s recent gift to establish a diversity center at his alma mater, South Texas College of Law Houston, combined two of his life passions: giving back to the community and encouraging more diversity in the legal field.

Distinguished Attorney Gives Back to His Law School Alma Mater, Donating $3 Million to Establish The Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center at South Texas College of Law Houston
October 19, 2021 (South Texas College of Law Houston) – Houston trial attorney Benny Agosto, Jr.’s recent gift to establish a diversity center at his alma mater, South Texas College of Law Houston, combined two of his life passions: giving back to the community and encouraging more diversity in the legal field. In grateful recognition of the $3 million gift from Nikki and Benny Agosto, Jr. — one of the largest single gifts to any law school for this purpose — the new center will be named The Benny Agosto, Jr. Diversity Center at South Texas College of Law Houston.

Lawsuits Filed Following Sept. 27 Explosion at Westlake Chemical
October 4, 2021 (7 KPLC) – A second lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a worker injured in last week’s plant explosion at Westlake Chemical. “Without any warning, there was an explosion,” said Attorney Mo Aziz. Aziz is representing two of the workers injured on the job. Both were rendered unconscious. One was recently released from the hospital but is still scheduled for some more surgeries, and Mr. Green is still in the burn unit at Lafayette,” Aziz said.

Worker burned in explosion sues Westlake Chemical
October 4, 2021 (American Press) – A Houston law firm filed suit Monday against Westlake Chemical following a Sept. 27 explosion at the Sulphur plant that injured six contract employees who were working on a planned maintenance turnaround. Attorneys Mo Aziz, David Baluk, and Morgan Mills of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz and Stogner, filed the suit in Harris County Texas. It states that Gregory Green of Houston, was working as a hydro blaster when the Petro 2 ethane cracker exploded around 11 p.m. and caused a flash fire. Green was engulfed in flames and knocked unconscious.

GM Sued For $100 Million Over Fatal GMC Yukon Crash
September 7, 2021 (CarComplaints.com) – A General Motors tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and wheel lawsuit alleges defects caused the deaths of three people in Texas. The $100 million products liability and wrongful death lawsuit alleges GM has known about the defects but has failed to order a recall. The lawsuit says the Yukon suffered a left rear tire blowout that caused Mrs. Calixto to lose control of the Yukon, veer into the southbound lane of traffic and collide head-on with the Zamora vehicle.

She Died After an Explosion Tore through Her Home. Now, Her Family Wants Justice.
September 3, 2021 (Dallas Observer) – A lawsuit filed by a Houston-based firm alleges that the Atmos Energy Corp. violated safety standards and procedures when it failed to check whether gas was leaking into houses near a company worksite near Huntingdon Avenue.

Porter Mom Suing Peloton For More Than $1M After 2-Year-Old Was Pinned by Treadmill
August 6, 2021 (ABC 13) – A mom in Porter is suing Peloton for more than $1 million after claiming her 2-year-old son suffered burns to his head and body from one of the company’s treadmill. A lawsuit was filed on Thursday on behalf of Leanne Williams, who said her son, Stetson, was pulled under the treadmill on April 14.

Worker Suffered Severe Internal and External Burns in La Porte Plant Acid Leak, Attorney Says
August 3, 2021 (ABC 13) – A week after the deadly chemical leak at the LyondellBasell plant in La Porte, one man is in critical condition fighting for his life. Seth Wheeler, a 27-year-old contractor, was working close by when 100,000 pounds of acid was released into the air. Benny Agosto Junior, Wheeler’s attorney, has filed a lawsuit against LyondellBasell alleging negligence on behalf of Wheeler. Wheeler is from the Oklahoma area, and his close family members are now at Memorial Hermann Hospital, standing by his bedside, hoping for a full recovery.

Man ‘Severely Burned’ by Acid, Family of Deceased Worker in LyondellBasell Chemical Leak File Lawsuit
August 3, 2021 (Click2Houston) – A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a worker reportedly severely burned by acid and the family of another worker who died after a chemical leak at the LyondellBasell Complex in La Porte on July 27. According to a release from Abraham Watkins Law Firm, the family of deceased worker Dustin Day, as well as injured worker Seth Wheeler, are alleging “negligence and gross negligence claims against LyondellBasell Acetyls, LLC, Lyondell Chemical Company and Equistar Chemicals, LP.”

Two Lawsuits in Deadly La Porte Chemical Leak Accuse LyondellBasell of ‘Gross Negligence’
July 29, 2021 (Houston Chronicle) – A worker who was injured during a deadly chemical leak at a La Porte-area plant this week alleges in a lawsuit that the company hours earlier decided not to use experts who recommended repairing the damage, instead bringing in other contractors to address the problem temporarily. Two people were killed and 30 more were hospitalized as a result of Tuesday’s leak of acetic acid at the LyondellBasell La Porte Complex.

Law Firm Representing Those Injured After Chemical Spill at LyondellBasell Facility Say Company Knew Better
July 28, 2021 (Fox 26 Houston) – Several groups are investigating what caused a chemical spill inside LyondellBasell Tuesday night including, the EPA, OSHA, the Chemical Safety Board, TCEQ, and the Harris County Fire Marshal. And now a local trial law firm, Abraham Watkins, can be added to that list. “We represent some of the people that were in the hospital, one gentleman was hospitalized and let go at 3 in the morning,” said Benny Agosto, Attorney with Abraham and Watkins. “He is bedridden with injuries to his lungs, chest, and his body.”

Attorney Says 8 Workers Have Hired Him After Chemical Leak at LyondellBasell Facility
July 28, 2021 (Click2Houston) – An attorney specializing in refinery accidents has announced that several workers have already signed up with him and that he is anticipating many more. He has dealt with cases involving leaks in the past, but that this one was unique because of the amount of acidic gas that was released.

Victim’s Family Files $250M Lawsuit Over Fatal Natural-Gas Explosion in Collin County
July 20, 2021 (The Dallas Morning News) – The family of one of the victims of a fatal Collin County natural-gas explosion last month is suing over the blast, alleging that negligence led to the man’s death.

‘We’re Both in a Lot of Pain’: Mother, Daughter Still Recovering from DWI Crash Caused by Lakeview PD Sergeant
June 1, 2021 (Click2Houston) – A Seabrook mother involved in a DWI crash in June wants the person responsible to be held accountable. Dana Schaub said on June 5 she was driving to pick up a late-night pizza with her 26-year old daughter Sarah when a Ford F-150 hit them head-on. Schaub said both she and her daughter are now dealing with pain in their back and neck.

Wrongful death suit alleging defective forklift crushed man brought against Georgia Pacific, others
June 1, 2021 (Southeast Texas Record) – A wrongful death lawsuit has been brought against Georgia Pacific and several other companies. Seeking more than $1 million in damages, the widow of Guillermo Torres filed the suit on May 27 in Harris County District Court, also naming Panel Products, Koch Industries, the Hyster-Yale Group and Allied Systems as defendants.

To Benny Agosto, Leadership Is Service
May 31, 2021 (Hispanic Executive) – In 2020, Agosto was named to the Top 100: Houston Super Lawyers list and the Texas Super Lawyers list (his sixteenth appearance on the list). Agosto has also been named to the Top Latino Lawyers list by Latino Leaders Magazine, who recognized him as one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanic Lawyers as well as one of the 101 Most Influential Leaders of the year.

‘It’s basically negligence’ | Parents of 3-year-old shot sues apartment complex
May 21, 2021 (KHOU 11) – The family of a the little 3-year-old shot in the head back in April is now suing the apartment complex for negligence. The Lane family had just moved into the apartment, after years of being homeless, when their daughter Helena was shot just outside the home.

Harris County sees surge in underage DWI offenses during COVID-19 pandemic
May 4, 2021 (Click2Houston) – Over the last decade, the yearly numbers in Harris County for DWI-related fatalities have been near the top of the list nationwide. In fact, HPD’s DWI Task Force supervisor Sgt. Don Egdorf points to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stats, which show Houston leading the nation in 2019 with 155 DWI fatal crashes. The number topped Los Angeles County at 154, even though their population is double the size of Harris County.

Harris County sees surge in underage DWI offenses during COVID-19 pandemic
April 15, 2021 (Fox 26 Houston) – FOX 26 Reporter Maria Salazar has more on the lawsuit and what’s next for the suspect.

GM Sued For $100M Over Deadly Crash Tied To Tire Pressure
March 25, 2021 (Law360) – General Motors LLC has been hit in Texas with a wrongful death and product liability lawsuit alleging that the company’s unsafe tire pressure monitoring system and wheels are to blame for a crash that killed a grandmother and two of her grandchildren, and seeking more than $100M in damages.

Family Files Lawsuit Against CenterPoint After Man Dies During Winter Storm
March 16, 2021 (KHOU 11) – A Harris County family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against CenterPoint, saying it’s responsible for a man suffocating to death during February’s winter storm. Pamela Bunkley says her father, 83-year-old James Jones, had COPD and relied on a respirator to help him breathe. When the storm was forecasted and CenterPoint warned of rolling blackouts, the family says they prepared and had a backup, handheld battery respirator to fill in the gaps during power outages.

Houston Attorney Inducted into Puerto Rico Soccer Hall of Fame
March 1, 2021 (Texas Lawyer) – Benny Agosto Jr., a partner at the Houston personal injury law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, and former president of the Houston Bar Association, has been inducted into the Puerto Rico Soccer Hall of Fame. The Class of 2020 Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held Dec. 3, 2020, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Después de un año de la explosión, así lucen los vecindarios afectados por el estallido en la Watson Manufacturing al noroeste de Houston.
January 25, 2021 (Telemundo Houston) – Después de un año de la explosión, así lucen los vecindarios afectados por el estallido en la Watson Manufacturing al noroeste de Houston.

Family of Houston Rockets scout files wrongful death suit after bicycle accident
January 12, 2021 (ABC 13) – On October 15, 2020, Brent “BJ” Johnson was killed while riding his bicycle on a stretch of unfinished sidewalk on Alameda Parkway and Shadow Creek. The of sidewalk where the accident occurred was unfinished and under construction, and there was no warning. The front tire of BJ’s bike entered this stretch of sidewalk, causing him to crash, fall, and break his neck.

BJ was a personnel scout for the Houston Rockets and well-respected member of the NBA community. Attorneys Benny Agosto, Jr. and another Abraham Watkins attorney are representing BJ’s widow and son in a wrongful death suit against Pulice Construction, Inc.

Mother still fighting for justice after crash kills husband, 2 children
December 30, 2020 (Click2Houston) – On November 28, 2020, Justin Pena and his four- and two-year-old children were tragically killed by drunk driver David Geissen at an intersection in Brazoria County. His wife, Monica Mendez, who lost her husband and children in the accident, is filing a wrongful death lawsuit with help from firm partner Mo Aziz.

Benny Agosto Jr. stars from pitch to courtroom
December 4, 2020 (Our Esquina) – Not many people can say they excelled on the pitch or in the courtroom. Former Houston Bar Association president Benny Agosto Jr. has done both. Agosto, a former Division I soccer player at Houston Baptist University, was inducted into the Puerto Rico Soccer Hall of Fame. Although Agosto now lives a life many dream of, the former goalkeeper insists it was an uphill battle.

‘I Try to Make it Real Simple’: Houston Litigator Explains How He Got $4 Million Verdict
October 30, 2020 (Texas Lawyer) – Bringing cardboard boxes was a last-minute demonstrative aid that plaintiffs attorney Mo Aziz arranged just before a trial–that ended with a $4 million jury verdict in his favor. The jury would be hearing complicated engineering explanations about why design defects had caused a piece of heavy machinery to fall on client Chuck Pruitt and drastically injure his leg. The cardboard boxes were meant to illustrate how the machinery’s design could have been improved, by replacing one circular component with a square shape like the boxes, explained Aziz.

Family of truck driver killed in fiery I-10 rollover files wrongful death suit against company
October 21, 2020 (12 News) – The family of a man killed in a fiery 18-wheeler crash near downtown Beaumont earlier in October has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company he worked for, claiming the truck wasn’t taken care of. Jose Flores, 57, was driving along Interstate 10 on October 10 when his truck reportedly overturned. That’s when he was ‘killed in a horrific fire that engulfed the cabin’ according to the Houston law firm representing Flores’ family.

Man Who Fell Into Chevron’s Unmarked Well Wants $1M
October 19, 2020 (Law360) – Chevron Corp. was hit with a lawsuit for injuries a man says he suffered when he fell 15 to 20 feet into a concealed sinkhole surrounding an old, unmarked Chevron well while clearing land in West Texas. The suit filed by Jake Gaines in Harris County District Court on Friday seeks more than $1 million in damages he says he sustained in Midland on Sept. 24.

Texas Grocer Sued Over Shopper’s COVID-19-Related Injury
May 11, 2020 (Law360) – Texas grocery giant HEB has been sued over a safety measure meant to protect its own employees from exposure to the coronavirus, as a customer alleges the shoddy installation of a protective screen is to blame for her serious foot injuries. HEB LP was named in the lawsuit filed in Harris County district court on Friday by shopper May Homsy, who is seeking as much as $1 million in damages for injuries stemming from the incident where the heavy-duty plastic screen fell on her left foot.

Family of gospel singer killed in crash file wrongful death lawsuit
February 19, 2020 (Fox 26 Houston) – The family of gospel singer LaTonya Earl, who was tragically killed in a car accident on February 14, 2020, is being represented by firm attorneys Mo Aziz and Angelina Wike. The accident occurred after wet cement spilled onto Old Humble Road from a cement truck owned by Lattimore Materials Corporation. Another driver hit the wet cement, lost control of the vehicle, and veered into oncoming traffic. The accident resulted in the tragic deaths of that driver, as well as LaTonya Earl.

Grandmother’s death leaves family angry at vacation company
February 16, 2020 (ABC 13) – The family of Diane Hendricks, a beloved mother and grandmother who drowned on July 20, 2019, while on a snorkeling excursion on Turks and Caicos Islands, is suing Sandals Resorts International and Unique Vacations for negligence. Firm partner Mo Aziz is representing the family.

Spate of Texas chemical accidents leads to investigations, suits
February 6, 2020 (Bloomberg Law) – Firm partner Benny Agosto, Jr., was interviewed by Bloomberg Environment regarding his lawsuit against KMCO. There is an ongoing investigation into the cause of a fatal explosion and fire at the KMCO chemical plant in Crosby, Texas, which occurred on April 2, 2019. The article looks into the recent wave of explosions at chemical plants in the Houston area since 2018.

Houston explosion: Worker’s family files wrongful death suit
January 28, 2020 (ABC 13) – The family of a man who was killed in the Watson Grinding and Manufacturing explosion on January 24, 2020 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. His family is represented by firm attorneys Mo Aziz and Karl Long.

Settlement for 7 injured in 2016 Nederland plant fire
January 28, 2020 (Beaumont Enterprise) – Seven workers injured in a 2016 explosion at the Sunoco Logistics plant in Nederland have reached a financial settlement with two Sunoco contractors. A civil trial scheduled to begin last week in Jefferson County was expected to last for several weeks, but an attorney for the plaintiffs said representatives for Cleveland Integrity Services and Carber Holdings agreed to settle for an undisclosed sum as jury selection was about to begin.

Wrongful death suit filed on behalf of man killed in explosion at Watson Grinding and Manufacturing
January 27, 2020 (KHOU 11) – A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against several companies on behalf of the family of Frank Flores. Flores was killed in an explosion at an industrial site in northwest Houston. Gerardo Castorena was also killed in the explosion at Watson Grinding and Manufacturing at 4500 Gessner. The explosion happened around 4:25 a.m. and it was heard and felt across the city.

Explosion victim’s family to file wrongful death lawsuit
January 26, 2020 (Houston Chronicle) – The family of an explosion victim who was killed in the Watson Grinding and Manufacturing explosion on January 24, 2020 is represented by firm attorneys Mo Aziz and Karl Long.

¿Qué derechos tienen las familias afectadas por la explosión al noroeste de Houston? (What rights do families affected by the explosion in northwest Houston have?)
January 24, 2020 (Univision Houston) – Firm attorney Benny Agosto, Jr. answered questions about the rights of victims and surrounding neighbors affected by the massive explosion that occurred on January 24, 2020 at the Watson Grinding & Manufacturing facility in northwest Houston.

Lawyer: Bus company stranded Houston passengers in Mexico after deadly crash
December 30, 2019 (KHOU 11) – Survivors of a deadly bus crash in Mexico are suing the bus company and its owner, who may have fled the scene of the accident. Attorneys Muhammad Aziz and Angelina Wike are representing one of the families involved in the crash.

Family of Texas couple who died from H₂S exposure files lawsuit against companies
October 30, 2019 (WFAA) – Jacob and Natalee Dean were exposed to hydrogen sulfate at a pump house Jacob was responding to for Aghorn and Abraham Watkins is representing the surviving family.

Lawsuit filed against gas, transportation companies after husband, wife killed by hydrogen sulfide gas exposure
October 30, 2019 (KCBD) – Abraham Watkins has filed suit against Aghorn Operating, Inc., Aghorn Oil & Gas, Inc., Gilliam’s Aghorn Energy, Inc., and Sentinel Transportation, LLC on behalf of the families of Jacob Dean and Natalee Dean.

Settlement for victims of Las Vegas massacre worth up to $800 million
October 4, 2019 (Los Angeles Times) – Mo Aziz, who represented more than 1,300 plaintiffs, said most of his clients weren’t interested in holding gun makers accountable in the Las Vegas massacre.

Victims of Las Vegas massacre – the deadliest US shooting – could get up to $800M from MGM
October 3, 2019 (USA Today) – Muhammad Aziz from Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner represents more than 1,300 victims and survivors of the Las Vegas Massacre two years ago.

MGM says it will pay up to $800 million to victims of Las Vegas massacre in settlement
October 3, 2019 (The Washington Post) – Muhammad S. Aziz, an attorney who said he participated in the settlement agreement and is representing more than 1,300 victims and survivors of the attack, said in a statement that it “sends a strong message to the hospitality industry that all steps necessary to prevent mass shootings must be taken.”

$800 million settlement announced with victims of Las Vegas massacre
October 3, 2019 (ABC News) – “While we cannot eliminate the physical and emotional scars suffered by the thousands of people impacted by this tragic event, we hope this resolution will provide some sense of closure to our clients,” said Mo Aziz who represents more than 1,300 victims and survivors of the mass shooting.

Lawsuit against PGE Transport and H-E-B seeks at least $1 million
August 29, 2019 (KTSA 107.1) – A lawsuit has been filed against H-E-B and PGE Transport in connection with a fatal crash on IH 10 in Fayette County involving an 18-wheeler and a pickup truck. Karl Long from Abraham Watkins is representing two men who were severely injured in the accident.

Lawsuit filed against company that operated Baytown industrial facility where two workers died
August 26, 2019 (Houston Chronicle) – Abraham Watkins filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company that operates the facility where a worker was killed in a workplace accident, along with the company for which the victim worked.

Katy Family Files Lawsuit After Boy Drowns in Neighborhood Pool
July 2, 2019 (KHOU-11) – After a boy drowned in a neighborhood pool in Katy, his family hired Abraham Watkins for a lawsuit involving the subdivision and the lifeguard on duty at the time.

Hundreds of Vets Are Suing Over These Defective Combat Earplugs
February 14, 2019 (MilitaryTimes.com) – Hundreds of veterans are filing lawsuits against a government contractor that manufactured and sold defective combat earplugs to the military. The earplugs didn’t maintain a tight seal and allowed dangerously loud sounds to slip through without the wearer knowing.

Army Vet Sues 3M, Alleging Tinnitus from ‘Defective’ Earplugs
January 24, 2019 (Military.com) – Months after popular manufacturer 3M reached a more than $9 million settlement to resolve allegations it supplied the U.S. military with defective earplugs, a former Army sergeant has filed his own lawsuit, claiming the gear left him with hearing damage and a constant ringing in his ears.

Texas Veteran Sues 3M Over Allegedly Defective Earplugs
January 22, 2019 (Houston Chronicle) – A Texas veteran is suing 3M Company over allegedly defective earplugs that were issued to U.S. soldiers for a decade. Sgt. Scott D. Rowe, who was previously stationed at Fort Hood, filed suit in a Waco federal court, accusing 3M of knowingly designing, making and selling faulty earplugs that caused Rowe to develop tinnitus, hearing loss and poor balance, according to his attorneys.

Combat Veteran Files Lawsuit for Loss of Hearing Due to Defective Military Ear Plugs
January 22, 2019 (KHOU 11) – A Texas combat veteran wants damages for what he says a government contractor took from him: his hearing. Retired Army Sergeant Scott Rowe deployed to Iraq from 2003 to 2004 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his deployment, Rowe says he was issued dual-ended Combat Arms™ earplugs by the U.S. military. Now, his lawyers are blaming his hearing loss on allegedly defective earplugs manufactured by 3M.