GALVESTON — A widow is suing a vessel owner, alleging the defendant's negligence caused the wrongful death of her husband.
Raquel S. Perez, individually and as representative of the estate of Elias E. Perez, and for the benefit of the surviving widow and children of Elias E. Perez, filed a complaint July 10 in Galveston County District Court against Ryan Marine Services Inc. and M/V Citation, alleging they failed to maintain a safe and seaworthy vessel.
According to the complaint, shortly before Oct. 20, 2016, Elias Perez, an able seaman aboard the M/V Citation contracted pneumonia due to conditions aboard the ship and was experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain. On Oct. 23, 2016, the suit says, Perez was rushed to a hospital and was placed in the ICU.
Perez was diagnosed with pneumonia and succumbed to his illness Feb. 28, 2017, the lawsuit states. The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to adequately provide for the safety and well-being of their crew.
Raquel Perez seeks trial by jury, monetary relief of more than $1 million and all other just and proper relief. She is represented by attorneys Michael E. Pierce and James P. Lamey of Pierce Skrabanek PLLC in Houston.
Galveston County District Court case number 17-CV-0832