HOUSTON — A tug boat vessel crew member alleges his injuries were caused by the boat's unseaworthiness.
Joshua Patterson filed a complaint Sept. 26 in Harris County District Court against Dann Ocean Towing Inc., alleging negligence and other claims.
Patterson, according to his complaint, was working aboard the defendant's towing vessel on June 6, 2022. He claims he was ordered to climb 30 feet without the use of a ladder when he lost his footing and hit the tug boats railing. Patterson alleges as a result of his fall, he suffered injuries to his tibia, foot, elbow, shoulder and other parts of his body.
He claims Dann Ocean Towing failed to provide a reasonably safe work place, failed to train and supervise its employees and did not maintain minimum safety requirements. Patterson also claims the unseaworthiness of the vessel caused his injuries and that the vessel's crew were untrained and unskilled and that the vessel did not have adequate manpower or equipment. He alleges he has suffered impairment, disfigurement, lost wages and incurred medial expenses.
Patterson seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest and all other just relief. He is represented by John Stevenson, Jr., and William Hand of Stevenson & Murray in Houston and D. Clinton Brasher of The Brasher Law Firm PLLC in Beaumont.
Harris County Disrict Court case number 2022-61935