Arnold
Last October, seaman Louis Palanek hurt his back while pulling tangled hoses out of the water.
Alleging that he should have been protected from taking unnecessary risks, Palanek filed suit against his employer, Cal Dive International, on Jan. 17 in Jefferson County District Court.
According to the lawsuit, on Oct. 16 Palanek was serving aboard the Cal Dive II off the coast of Texas. He was instructed to pull tangled hoses out of the water when he injured his back.
In his suit, Palanek alleges Cal Dive negligently failed to supervise and train its employees, provide a safe work environment and protect crewmembers from unnecessary risks.
The plaintiff is suing for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.
Houston attorney Kurt Arnold of Arnold & Itkin represents him.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. D191-660