SpaceX Faces Another Lawsuit: Falling Debris and Workplace Negligence Claims

SpaceX, the aerospace giant helmed by Elon Musk, continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, but its journey isn’t without turbulence. With a growing number of launches and ambitious projects, the company is increasingly facing legal challenges concerning both falling debris and workplace negligence. These lawsuits raise critical questions about safety protocols, employee welfare, and corporate responsibility in the rapidly expanding space industry.

Recent Lawsuits Against SpaceX

Falling Debris Incident at Starbase

In January 2026, SpaceX was sued again over worker safety issues at its Starbase factory. The lawsuit, filed in Cameron County, alleges negligence following a 2024 incident where a worker, Sergio Ortiz, was struck by falling debris while working inside an elevator shaft. Ortiz was installing sheet metal and patching walls when heavy welding cables fell from above, causing serious bodily injuries. The lawsuit names SpaceX and Performance Contractors Inc., among others, as defendants. It raises concerns about the safety measures in place to protect workers from falling objects and the potential negligence of those working above.

Retaliation Claims for Safety Concerns

In July 2025, two former SpaceX employees filed wrongful termination lawsuits, claiming they were dismissed after raising concerns about safety and health violations. Robert Markert, a supervisor, alleges he was terminated after warning SpaceX leadership about a potentially fatal risk in the rocket fairing recovery process. David Lavalle, a plumber, claims he was fired shortly after taking medical leave for gout-related knee pain and that the company failed to accommodate his numerous workplace injuries due to fear of retaliation.

Discrimination in Hiring Practices

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against SpaceX in August 2023 for discriminating against asylees and refugees in hiring. The lawsuit alleges that SpaceX routinely discouraged asylees and refugees from applying and refused to hire or consider them due to their citizenship status, violating the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

The Issue of Falling Debris

The incident at Starbase highlights a significant concern: the risk of falling debris in SpaceX facilities. Construction and maintenance activities at these sites involve heavy equipment and materials, and a failure to secure these items properly can lead to severe injuries.

Legal Considerations for Debris-Related Injuries

Negligence: To win a personal injury claim related to falling debris, the injured party must prove that SpaceX was negligent. This means demonstrating that the company failed to exercise reasonable care in preventing the incident.
Duty of Care: SpaceX has a duty to maintain a safe working environment for its employees and subcontractors. This includes implementing safety protocols, providing adequate training, and ensuring that equipment is properly secured.
Causation: The injured party must also prove that SpaceX’s negligence directly caused their injuries.

Workplace Negligence and Safety Concerns

Beyond falling debris, SpaceX has faced broader allegations of workplace negligence and unsafe practices.

Examples of Workplace Negligence Claims

Rushed Deadlines: Current and former employees have claimed that SpaceX’s demanding deadlines lead to a chaotic workplace where safety procedures are often skipped.
Inadequate Training: Some employees have alleged that they were not adequately trained for their jobs, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Unreported Injuries: A 2023 Reuters investigation revealed that SpaceX had a history of underreporting workplace injuries.

Legal Recourse for Injured Workers

Workers’ Compensation Claims: Workers’ compensation is the most common form of recourse for employees injured at SpaceX. These claims do not require the employee to prove that the employer was at fault.
Personal Injury Claims: In cases where an injury is due to the employer’s negligence or a deliberate act, the injured party may pursue a personal injury claim against SpaceX.
Slip and Fall Claims: Slip and fall accidents are not uncommon in large industrial environments like those at SpaceX.

Space Debris and Third-Party Liability

The potential for falling debris extends beyond SpaceX facilities. Uncontrolled re-entry of rocket stages and satellite components poses a risk to people and property on the ground.

Legal Framework for Space Debris Liability

Space Liability Convention: This international treaty holds that a company or institution will only be liable for its space debris if it was negligent in some way.
Proving Negligence: It is up to the injured party to figure out the “caused by” aspect of a claim.

Practical Steps if Affected by Space Debris

Document the Incident: Ensure detailed documentation, including photographs, witness statements, and relevant physical evidence.
Seek Medical Attention: Seek medical attention immediately if you or anyone else has sustained injuries.
Review Applicable Laws: Consult with an attorney specializing in space law or personal injury to assess your jurisdiction’s applicable laws and regulations and those relevant to space debris liability.
Identify Responsible Parties: Work with your attorney to identify the parties potentially liable for the incident.

The Intersection of Innovation and Safety

SpaceX’s legal challenges highlight the tension between rapid innovation and workplace safety. The company’s “move fast and break things” ethos, while driving technological advancements, has come under scrutiny for potentially compromising employee well-being.

Finding a Balance

Prioritizing Safety: Companies must prioritize safety alongside innovation, implementing robust safety protocols and providing adequate training to employees.
Regulatory Oversight: Government agencies like OSHA play a crucial role in ensuring that companies comply with safety regulations and address workplace hazards.
Transparency and Accountability: Companies should be transparent about workplace injuries and take accountability for their actions.

Seeking Legal Assistance

If you have been injured as a result of falling debris or workplace negligence, it is crucial to seek legal assistance. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

Key Steps to Take

Consult with an Attorney: An attorney specializing in personal injury or space law can assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence related to your injury, including medical records, witness statements, and photographs.
File a Claim: Your attorney can help you file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties.

SpaceX’s ongoing legal battles serve as a reminder of the importance of safety and accountability in the space industry. As space exploration continues to evolve, it is essential that companies prioritize the well-being of their employees and the public, ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of safety.