Houston attorney files Jefferson County suits for injured seamen

Houston attorney Francis I. Spagnoletti has filed two separate suits in Jefferson County on behalf of seamen injured on the job.

In the suit filed July 14, Louisiana resident Joshua Valdez claims he was working on the Morgan Marie, which is owned by defendant Bayou Tugs Inc., on July 13, 2008, when he sustained severe and disabling injuries.

Although Spagnoletti does not specify the nature of Valdez' injuries or how they occurred, the suit states they were caused by the unseaworthiness of the Morgan Marie.

On July 16, Spagnoletti filed a suit on behalf of Orange resident Mark Meyers. Meyers claims he was working on the Gloria A in August 2007 when he sustained severe and disabling injuries. The suit was filed against Gulf Logistics and Gulf Logistics Operating, owners of the Gloria A.

As in the Valdez suit, no details about Meyers' injuries were given, and the unseaworthiness of the vessel is blamed for the incident.

Both plaintiffs claims to have suffered physical pain, mental anguish, lost wages, impaired earning capacity, physical impairment and loss of ability to perform household services.

The suits allege that the vessel owners failed to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.

Valdez and Meyers are seeking actual and exemplary damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, court costs and other relief.

Both cases have been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court.

Joshua Valdez vs. Bayou Tugs Inc., Case No. E184-494.
Mark Meyers vs. Gulf Logistics, Case No. E184-509