Man's fingers crushed by cable, suit says

GALVESTON - Complaining a cable inflicted injuries to two of his fingers, Cleveland resident David Bright has filed a lawsuit against his employer.

A lawsuit filed against American Eagle Tankers Inc. on Dec. 7 in Galveston County District Court claims the tugger cable snapped and wrapped around Bright's two fingers. One finger was crushed and the other sustained a break.

Recent court documents state Bright was working aboard one of American Eagle's vessels Feb. 9, 2010, when the incident occurred.

"David Bright was then forced to stay on the ship and wait numerous hours before receiving medical attention for his injuries, which caused him severe pain," the suit says.

It additionally asserts the complainant "warned and informed the supervisor that the rigging on the tugger (cable) was insufficient and needed to be replaced before working on it," but "the supervisor took no corrective action to see that it was replaced."

"As a result of this accident aboard the defendant's vessels, Mr. Bright sustained serious bodily injuries," the suit says.

The complainant consequently sues for pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, impairment, medical care and lost earnings.

He is represented by Smith & Hassler.

Galveston County 122nd District Court Judge John Ellisor is presiding over the case.

Case No. 11-cv-1966