Jones Act suit filed by ship captain

GALVESTON - After falling twice while working aboard a vessel more than six months ago, a Louisiana ship captain is suing his employer.

Joseph Deon Jr. claims his injuries were caused by Global International Marine Inc.'s breach of its absolute duty to furnish a seaworthy vessel in the M/V Dorado, a Jones Act lawsuit filed June 30 in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas says.

Recent court documents show Deon and his crew were lowering equipment by rope on or around Nov. 29, 2010, when said rope broke and fell on the complainant.

Deon recalls falling backwards down the stairs before landing onto the equipment in the engine room below.

He tried to resume working only to encounter another incident.

"The plaintiff attempted to continue to work, then slipped and fell on the slippery deck," the original petition says.

It further claims the plaintiff "suffered severe and disabling personal injuries due to the negligence of the defendant and/or the unseaworthiness of the vessel."

Consequently, he sues for mental anguish, losses of earnings and earning capacity, disfigurement, impairment, medical expenses and physical pain and suffering.

Attorney Francis I. Spagnoletti of Houston is representing Deon, and U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt is presiding over the case.

Case No. 3:11-cv-298