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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Sleeping seaman bitten by spider sues Tetra Technologies

Brown recluse spider

Claiming to have been bitten by a poisonous brown recluse spider in his sleep, seaman Benjamin Chapman has filed a Jones Act suit against Tetra Technologies.

The suit was filed Nov. 24 in Jefferson County District Court.

According to the petition, on July 19, 2008 Chapman was working for Tetra and had been assigned to work aboard the vessel Southern Hercules, which was engaged in the removal of an old oil well near the Louisiana coast.

"Plaintiff and his crew were having problems with a spider infestation," the suit states. "While sleeping, the plaintiff received a brown recluse spider bite, which resulted in causing blistering, pain and swelling in his left leg that lasted for two months."

Chapman alleges Tetra negligently failed to provide him with a safe and seaworthy vessel and a spider-free place to work.

He is suing for past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, lost wages and impairment.

Chapman is represented by Port Neches attorney H.P. Wright.

The case has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court.

Case No. B188-861

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