Offshore operator sues former employer for negligence

A Louisiana man is suing two offshore operating companies for negligence pertaining to injuries allegedly sustained while on the job.

Jarvis J. Grayson filed a lawsuit on Feb. 19 against Wood Group PSN, Inc., of Nevada, Fieldwood Energy Offshore LLC of Austin and M/V Miss Dee, in rem, a passenger vessel operating offshore, in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas, claiming negligence in a spring 2014 accident.

The plaintiff was employed as an A-Operator for Island Operating Company and was allegedly injured April 25, 2014, while aboard the Miss Dee in the Gulf of Mexico. An in rem claim is made against the passenger vessel per U.S. maritime law.

The complaint claims that Grayson fell to the deck during a personnel basket transfer and alleges that the defendants failed to maintain adequate communication with its crane operator during the transfer, failing to safely control the cables connected to the basket.

According to court documents, the plaintiff endured pain and suffering as a result. Claiming medical care, lost work time and wages, Grayson seeks compensation for medical costs, punitive damages for past and future physical disability and mental anguish, in addition to front and back pay, attorney’s fees, expenses and costs. He is represented by Marc Evan Kutner of Spagnoletti & Co. of Houston.

Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case 3:15-cv-00035