Man files Jones Act suit over unspecified injuries

A Jefferson County man has filed suit against his employer, which he says failed to provide him with a safe place to work and caused him to suffer career-ending injuries.

Jorge Ayala claims he was working for defendant Global Industries Offshore on a ship operated by defendant Hercules Offshore on Sept. 1 when he received severe and debilitating injuries.

Nowhere in his complaint filed Oct. 5 in Jefferson County District Court does Ayala mention how he obtained the injuries nor does he specify the extent of his injuries.

Instead, he blames the defending companies for failing to provide him with a seaworthy vessel and for failing to properly supervise those on board.

Because of his unspecified injuries, Ayala experienced pain, mental anguish and a loss of earnings and incurred medical costs, according to the complaint.

Since Ayala's accident, Global Industries and Hercules have failed to pay for his maintenance and cure, the suit states.

Because of this, Ayala is seeking exemplary and punitive damages, plus costs, attorney's fees, pre- and post-judgment interest and other relief to which he may be entitled.

He will be represented by Brian Beckcom of Vujasinovic and Beckcom in Houston.

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

Jefferson County District Court case number: B185-058.