Texas State Student Sues University After 40-Foot Manhole Fall

A Texas State University student is suing the university and contractor Skanska USA after falling 40 feet down a manhole shaft on September 5, 2025. The lawsuit claims a worn plastic cover, which appeared to be concrete, collapsed near the Supple Science Building, causing injuries to the student’s lungs, knees, and limbs.

How did the manhole accident occur?

According to the petition, a student named Bain was walking with friends on the San Marcos campus when he stepped onto an elevated manhole. He believed the cover was concrete, but the lawsuit alleges it was actually made of a worn plastic or plexiglass material that “merely appeared to be concrete.”

The material gave way unexpectedly. This caused Bain to plunge roughly 40 feet down the shaft into a cavern below.

Bain reports sustaining injuries to his lungs, ankles, legs, and hands. The lawsuit highlights that the injuries to both of his knees were particularly severe.

Did You Know? A 40-foot fall is equivalent to dropping approximately four residential floors or three commercial building floors.

Who is responsible for the campus construction site?

The legal dispute centers on who controlled the area at the time of the fall. The suit states the manhole was located on land owned and controlled by Texas State University, but it was also within a construction zone where Skanska was performing work.

Bain claims the manhole was under the temporary control of Skanska as part of the company’s construction activities. The lawsuit argues that both the university and the contractor knew, or should have known, about the danger posed by the shallow cover and the deep shaft beneath it.

The petition further argues that it was “foreseeable” that a student might stand or sit on the cover for a moment’s rest. Because the cover was not sturdy enough to support a person’s body weight, the lawsuit alleges the condition posed an unreasonable risk of harm.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the core of this dispute rests on the concept of “constructive knowledge.” The court will likely have to determine if the defendants failed in their duty of care by ignoring a hazard that should have been obvious through reasonable inspection of the construction zone.

What is the defense’s response to the lawsuit?

Skanska USA has denied the allegations. In its response, the company asserts that the incident was not caused by individuals under its responsibility or control.

North Texas construction worker falls more than 20 feet down manhole, officials say

The company specifically denies having “actual or constructive knowledge” of an unreasonably dangerous condition in the area. Skanska USA argues that without such knowledge, the company would not have known to warn others of the condition.

What are the potential legal outcomes?

The lawsuit seeks damages between $250,000 and $1 million to cover medical expenses and other losses. Because Skanska USA has demanded a trial by jury, the case may proceed to a full courtroom hearing.

A jury could potentially determine if the lack of a sturdy covering constituted negligence. The final ruling may depend on whether the evidence proves the defendants were aware of the worn plastic material before the accident occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly did the incident take place?
The fall occurred near the Supple Science Building on the San Marcos campus of Texas State University.

What specific injuries did the student suffer?
Bain suffered injuries to his lungs, hands, ankles, and legs, with particularly severe injuries to both knees.

What is the plaintiff seeking in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit is seeking between $250,000 and $1 million in damages for losses and medical expenses.

Do you believe construction companies or universities should bear more responsibility for temporary covers in student-accessible areas?