Jones Act suit filed over blown water pump

GALVESTON - A Louisiana seaman has filed a Jones Act lawsuit in response to a shoulder injury he reportedly sustained three months ago.

Brent Davis blames McMoRan Exploration Co. and Powerhouse Mechanics for an incident April 28 which induced the injury, a lawsuit filed July 28 in Galveston County Court at Law No. 2 says.

According to recent court documents, Davis worked for the defendants aboard the High Island 474.

He and his co-workers were attempting to change a water pump when the pump "blew out and struck (him)," the original petition says.

The plaintiff mentions the wells aboard the vessel had been down for 24 straight hours therefore "McMoRan was rushing the job Powerhouse was attempting to perform, facilitating the faulty way in which the Powerhouse employee changed the pump," adding said employee forgot to drain the fluid from the pump before unbolting it.

McMoRan and Powerhouse are faulted for failing to train their employees, failing to inspect, maintain and repair equipment, failing to maintain a safe work environment, failing to provide appropriate medical attention and failing to warn of the dangers hidden aboard the High Island 474.

Davis consequently underwent numerous surgeries, according to the suit.

He seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.

Arnold & Itkin LLP is representing the plaintiff, and Galveston County Court at Law No. 2 Judge Barbara Roberts is presiding over the case.

Cause No. 65,732