Exxon Corporation v. Omar Garza
Omar Garza sued Exxon Corporation for injuries sustained at one of its gas leases, alleging negligence and premises liability after slipping and falling while attempting to flee a transformer fire. The jury initially found Exxon liable, awarding Garza $494,385. On appeal, Exxon argued the initial January 16 judgment was interlocutory, not final, but then contended the evidence was legally insufficient for premises liability. The appellate court confirmed the January 16 judgment was interlocutory but found the evidence legally insufficient to establish Exxon had actual or constructive knowledge of a dangerous condition on the Yates Lease. Consequently, the trial court's judgment was reversed, and a judgment was rendered that Garza take nothing from Exxon.