Houston Exploration Co. v. Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

W. EUGENE DAVIS, Circuit Judge:

The Houston Exploration Company (“THEC”) sued Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (“Halliburton”) for damages incurred when THEC’s gas well blew out after Halliburton conducted drill stem testing on the well. At trial, Halliburton argued that it was shielded from liability under an indemnity agreement between Halliburton and THEC, which required THEC to release and indemnify Halliburton. Finding that Halliburton’s conduct constituted gross negligence, the district court refused to enforce the indemnity agreement and entered a judgment for THEC. Halliburton now…