Ladder slips, dockworker sues

Beaumont resident Clemente Flores Jr. is suing three companies for injuries he received after a ladder slipped, causing him to fall and break his leg.

Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, Flores filed his suit against BBC Chartering USA, H20 Production Systems and Boumans & Associates on Sept. 25 in Jefferson County District Court.

According to the lawsuit, on Sept. 18, 2010, Flores, a Shippers Stevedoring employee, was working at the Port of Beaumont helping to unload a ship.

"Plaintiff was climbing up a ladder from the hold to the deck of the ship," the suit states. "Even though two of plaintiff's coworkers were holding the ladder, it slipped and plaintiff fell to the deck below."

In his suit, Flores claims he broke his leg in the fall. The broken bone developed an infection.

The suit accuses the defendants of failing to maintain the work area and failing to provide a safe place to work.

The plaintiff is suing for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.

Beaumont attorney Steven Barkley represents him.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. A190-995