Ronald L. Hullum v. The Skyhook Corporation, Exxon Corporation

This Texas diversity suit arises out of an accident in which the plaintiff, Ronald Hullum, suffered a serious electrical shock while installing an Exxon sign at an independently owned service station. Prior to the accident in question, Exxon had contracted with Hullum’s employer, Bright Sign Co., to install the sign. Hullum argued at the district court and contends here that Exxon is a “person ... responsible for the work to be done” under a Texas statute requiring such persons to ensure worker safety by arranging precautionary measures with operators of high voltage power lines.…