December trial slated in suit brought by offshore worker who fell during vessel evacuation

A December 2015 trial has been slated in a suit brought by a Maryland man, who claims he was injured while evacuating the vessel on which he worked.

As previously reported, David Jordan filed a lawsuit Oct. 7 in Jefferson County District Court against Aramark and Spartan Offshore Drilling, citing negligence.

Court records show that on Feb. 3 a discovery control plan order was entered in the case, placing the case on the court’s December docket.

The order also calls for discovery to be concluded by Oct. 1 and for the case to be mediated on or before Oct. 15.

The complaint alleges Jordan was aboard Spartan Offshore Drilling’s vessel, Spartan 303, which was docked in Sabine Pass, in the scope of his employment with the defendant companies on April 28, when the vessel was struck by another vessel and evacuated.

Due to an inadequate egress and ingress from Spartan 303, Jordan lost balance while evacuating and fell, causing injury to his back and left leg, the suit alleges.

The defendant companies are accused of negligence in failing to provide a safe evacuation route in time of emergency and train the crew in safety and emergency procedures. Jordan says the defendants have failed to pay him the maintenance to which he is entitled.

Jordan seeks damages, interest and costs of court.

Attorney Matthew D. Shaffer of Schechter, Mcelwee, Shaffer and Harris in Houston, represents him.

Case No. A196-209