Family files wrongful death lawsuit after worker crushed at power plant
FRANKLIN, Texas (KBTX/Gray News) - The family of a worker killed last year at a power plant in Texas has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.
The family of Brandon Ferguson has filed the suit against Luminant Energy, Vistra Corp. and several other companies, alleging that gross negligence and repeated safety failures led to his death.
Ferguson, a 37-year-old father and machine specialist, died May 13, 2024, at the Oak Grove Power Plant while working to clear a coal blockage inside a crusher bypass chute at the plant near Franklin.
According to the lawsuit, a sudden release of stored energy caused metal grates known as Grizzly Bars to close unexpectedly, crushing his head and neck.
His wife, Barbara Ferguson, filed the lawsuit in Dallas County’s 68th Judicial District Court, seeking more than $1 million in damages.
The complaint claims Luminant, Vistra, and Oak Grove Management — which operate the plant — failed to enforce Occupational Safety and Health Administration required safety measures.
“This was a preventable tragedy,” Cameron Maki, the family’s attorney, said. “Brandon’s death is not an isolated incident. In just the past two years, this power plant has seen multiple severe injuries and fatalities due to blatant safety violations.”
The lawsuit also names Fluor Corp., SAS Global, and Benetech Inc., alleging defective and/or unreasonably dangerous equipment and failure to warn workers of known hazards.
It accuses the defendants of creating dangerous conditions, failing to properly train workers and ignoring previous safety incidents at the plant.
According to OSHA, an investigation into Ferguson’s death resulted in $186,671 in penalties against Oak Grove Management for multiple serious and willful violations.
The case has since been assigned to an administrative law judge for further review.
The wrongful death lawsuit follows a series of workplace incidents at Luminant-operated facilities. Eight days before Ferguson’s death, a silo collapse at the nearby Kosse Coal Mine injured five workers.
In May 2023, a worker was killed in a boiler explosion, and in February 2023, multiple employees were hospitalized after a chemical exposure incident at the Oak Grove plant.
The Ferguson family is seeking compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, mental anguish, and punitive damages.
Luminant previously released the following statement regarding the incident:
“We are shocked and saddened over the loss of our friend and teammate. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all those who love him. We are working to understand what occurred this morning. Our immediate focus is on the family and the well-being of our people. Onsite counseling and other resources are being made available to our team members as they cope with this difficult loss.”
Copyright 2025 KBTX via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.