Pilot sues after trip and fall from helicopter

A helicopter pilot has filed suit against the owners of a platform and the company that maintains the platform, alleging he tripped while attempting to get out of a helicopter.

Theodore Scott Rehm claims he was working for Rotorcraft Leasing Co. on March 4, 2008, as a helicopter pilot when the incident occurred after he landed his helicopter on a Brazos 369-1 platform.

"Plaintiff, in the performance of his duties stepped out of his aircraft onto the deck of the Brazos 369-1 platform and fell causing severe and disabling injuries," the suit he filed Sept. 17 in Jefferson County District Court states. "Your Plaintiff would show that nothing he did or failed to do on the occasion in question caused or in any way contributed to cause his injuries."

Because of his fall, Rehm has been required to seek medical care, which has caused him to incur expenses; suffered physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment and physical disfigurement; and has lost wages, according to the complaint.

According to the complaint, defendant Woodgroup Production Services, which owns the platform, negligently created a dangerous condition that caused Rehm's injuries, failed to warn of the dangerous condition, failed to take proper precaution in designing a safe workplace and failed to exercise their right of control over other parties that could have fixed the dangerous condition.

Rehm also blames Chroma Operating, which maintains the platform, for negligent acts including creating a dangerous condition, failing to warn of the dangerous condition, failing to take proper precaution in building a safe work environment and failing to properly maintain the premises.

Rehm, who says his damages amount to more than $75,000, is seeking a recovery of his damages, plus costs, interest and other relief to which he may be entitled.

He will be represented by Richard J. Plezia of Plezia, McLemore, Reddell, Ardoin and Story in Houston.

The case has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court.

Jefferson County District Court case number: B184-940.