Deck foreman Joseph Irvin was attempting to attach a pallet jack to a crane when he strained his groin. Alleging the vessel he served aboard was unseaworthy, Irvin filed suit against Ensco Offshore Co. on Jan. 24 in Jefferson County District Court.
According to the lawsuit, on Sept. 16 Irvin was serving aboard the Ensco 99, a flag jack-up drilling rig. While pulling on a pallet jack attempting to attach it to a crane, he injured his left groin, resulting in a strain and hernia.
"As a result of being immobilized due to pain ... plaintiff developed deep vein thrombosis, which eventually caused him to suffer pulmonary embolism," the suit states.
Other than the vessel being unseaworthy, the suit fails to state how Ensco is negligently responsible for Irvin's injuries.
The plaintiff is suing for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.
Houston attorney Richard Schechter represents him.
Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. E191-795
Jones Act suit brought over seaman's groin injury
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