Gary Benes vs. Drilling Structures International and Penn Virginia Oil & Gas, L.P. – Gary Benes was a 29 year old roughneck working for a south Texas drilling company when he was injured. Mr. Benes suffered a traumatic amputation of his right foot when it was crushed by a top-drive oil derrick as the block travelled past an unguarded area adjacent to the monkey board as he was performing repairs. The injury later required the amputation of his leg below the knee. Represented by HMG's John Martinez, Todd Hunter, Jr. and Joseph Barrientos, Mr. Benes sought to prove that the top-drive design of the derrick was defective and unreasonably dangerous in that it allowed the large, unguarded block to travel immediately next to an access ladder and walkway used by workers in their daily duties. The Defendant companies entered into confidential settlements with Gary Benes prior to trial in Harris County, Texas.