Seaman sues over delay in going ashore for medical treatment

A Bacliff man has filed suit against his employer, saying he was injured while working aboard a ship, but was not immediately brought ashore for medical attention.

Sorin Rascol says he was working as a seaman aboard the Seabulk Pride for Seabulk International on Dec. 20, 2006, when his shoulder and body were injured as a result of defective equipment he was using.

"After he was injured, Plaintiff asked to be taken ashore for medical attention but was denied at first and then delayed," the suit filed June 8 in Jefferson County District Court states.

Because of the incident, Rascol says he suffered physical pain, mental anguish, a loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, loss of life's pleasures, loss of physical capacity, disfigurement and loss of ability to perform household services and incurred medical costs.

Seabulk International negligently failed to provide a safe work place, failed to provide prompt medical attention and operated an unseaworthy vessel, according to the complaint.

Rascol is seeking an unspecified judgment in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre- and post-judgment interest at the highest legal rate, costs and other relief to which he may be entitled.

He will be represented by Harold Eisenman of Houston.

The case has been assigned to Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: A184-238.