Jones Act suit against Esco Marine slated for February trial

A Jones Act suit filed last December against Esco Marine has been slated for a February 2013 trial.

As previously reported, Sergio Higa filed the suit on Dec. 14 in Jefferson County District Court, alleging Esco failed to provide him with a safe workplace.

Court records show that on Aug. 1, a discovery control plan order was entered in the case, calling for the case to be mediated on or before Jan. 28 or face a February 2013 trial.

The lawsuit states that on July 11, 2011, Higa was working for Esco when he “received serious and disabling injuries” that required medical attention.

However, the suit fails to state how Higa was injured and declines to list a single specific act of negligence committed by Esco in causing his alleged injuries.

The suit only alleges the vessel was unseaworthy but does not state how.

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

Houston attorney Brian Beckcom of Vujasinovic & Beckcom represents him.

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

Case No. A191-473