A man seeks damages for injuries he claims he sustained on board a boat after he was knocked unconscious while on the vessel as it raced through the water.
Adam Hofman filed a lawsuit Feb. 11 in Jefferson County District Court against Sabine Ship Service, Alston E. Bourne III and ExxonMobil.
In his complaint, Hofman claims he rode on a transport boat on May 28, 2011, which Bourne was quickly and recklessly navigating to a waiting vessel in the middle of the ocean. Because of the way Bourne was operating the vehicle, Hofman was tossed inside the boat. At one point, he was thrown from his seat and hit his head on the roof of the cabin, knocking him unconscious, according to the complaint.
In turn, Hofman suffered a compression fracture of his spine; experienced physical pain, suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment and disfigurement and incurred medical costs, the suit states. He also lost earnings, the complaint says.
Hofman had been riding on the transport boat in order to make it to a waiting ship owned by ExxonMobil. The company had hired Hofman to make repairs to the engine of the ship, which was in the middle of the ocean, according to the complaint.
Exxon had hired Sabine Ship Service to provide transportation to the ship for Hofman, the suit states.
Hofman accuses the defendants of negligence.
He seeks economic and actual damages, plus pre- and post-judgment interest at the maximum rate allowed by law, attorneys’ fees, costs, exemplary damages and other relief the court deems just.
James C. Ferrell and Bradlyn J. Cole of Houston will be representing him.
Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. E193-919
Speeding boat driver caused injuries, suit claims
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