Injured seaman alleges negligence over infection

A maritime worker has sued four companies, alleging negligence in an infection he contracted.

Eddy McHenry filed a lawsuit April 13 in Galveston County District Court against Katie’s Seafood Market, Katie’s Seafood, The M/V Black Jack IV, and the National Geographic Society.

According to the complaint, on March 19, McHenry was employed by the defendants on the M/V Black Jack IV and while the vessel was on navigable waters the plaintiff contracted an infection in his hands resulting in the amputation of several fingers.

The plaintiff alleges failure on the defendants’ part to properly supervise and train crew and employees, maintain the vessel safely, provide adequate medical treatment and adhere to various maritime rules. The suit did not specify the cause of his injuries.

The suit alleges the vessel was unseaworthy, and McHenry cites severe injuries resulting in physical pain, mental anguish, impairment and disfigurement, discomfort and distress. He cites loss of past and future wages and earning capacity and medical expenses, and alleges the defendants were in breach of duty.

McHenry seeks: compensation for medical expenses and punitive damages in excess of $1 million; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorney fees; expenses and costs. He is represented by attorneys Jason Itkin, Cory Itkin, Noah Wexler and Kelly Woods of Arnold & Itkin in Houston.

Galveston County District Court case number: 15-CV-0074029