While installing an HVAC system on board a ship, Robert Snider brushed against a wire and says electricity began coursing through his body. Snider claims the live wire was unmarked and is seeking more than $100,000 for his injuries from Orange Shipbuilding Company Inc. and Rio Marine Inc.
The personal injury suit was filed in Orange County District Court on Oct. 25.
According to the plaintiff's petition, on Jan. 8, 2007, Snider was assisting with the installation of an HVAC system onboard a ship under construction and anchored at Orange Shipbuilding. Rio Marine was the electrician subcontractor hired to install the ship's electrical system.
In his suit, Snider says Orange Shipbuilding ordered all construction rushed. "Accordingly, plaintiff was directed to finish installation of the HVAC system while the electrical system was still being installed. Plaintiff was severely and permanently injured when he was electrocuted from contact with a live and unmarked…electrical wire while installing the HVAC system."
The suit alleges the following acts of negligence were committed by Orange Shipbuilding:
- Failing to provide a safe place to work;
- Failing to keep a proper lookout and/or monitor the safety of the work environment;
- Failing to properly inspect the condition of the vessel;
- Failing to warn of latent and hidden defects of the vessel;
- Failing to properly supervise the construction of the vessel;
- Failing to properly train its employees and/or subcontractors; and
- Failing to properly supervise its employees and/or subcontractors.
Furthermore, the suit alleges defendant Rio Marine committed the following acts of negligence:
- Failing to properly label, tag, and/or flag all wires on the vessel;
- Failing to properly install all wires on the vessel;
- Failing to warn about wires with live electrical currents flowing through them;
- Failing to properly inspect the electrical system for defects;
- Failing to properly inform Plaintiff which wires had electrical currents flowing through them;
- Failing to keep a proper look out and/or monitor safety of work environment;
- Failing to ensure that its work and/or services were provided in a way that would not cause injury to other parties working on the vessel;
- Failing to properly supervise its employees; and
- Failing to properly train its employees.
"As a result of the occurrence in question, plaintiff sustained serious personal injuries, mental anguish, physical pain and suffering, medical expenses in the past, lost earnings in the past, impairment and disability in the past, and disfigurement," the suit said.
Snider is demanding a trial by jury and is represented by attorney James Amarco.
The suit has been assigned to Judge Buddy Hahn, 260th Judicial District.
Case No. D-070612-c