Seaman says employer's method of disembarking injured him

GALVESTON - Claiming he hurt himself as he tried to get off his employer's ship two months ago, seaman William Gary Green pursues legal action.

Green filed a Jones Act lawsuit March 7 against Breathwit Marine Contractors, Inc. and the vessel The Tug Jacob B., LLC in Galveston County District Court.

Recent court documents show that Green jumped approximately 10 feet from the deck of the tug onto shore on Feb. 4.

"Upon landing on the shore, the plaintiff struck a slab of concrete, which shattered the plaintiff's heel and injured the plaintiff's knee, shoulder and back," the suit says.

According to the original petition, the complainant was instructed and taught that jumping from the vessel to the shore "was the correct and proper way to disembark from the vessel."

"The plaintiff was not provided any other means, such as a ladder or gang plank, to disembark from the vessel," the suit says.

It blames the respondents for failing to maintain a safe workplace, failing to provide adequate assistance and failing to provide the proper tools and equipment.

Green further alleges he was fired for seeking medical treatment after the entities refused to shoulder the cost.

Consequently, he seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.

Attorney Anthony G. Buzbee of The Buzbee Law Firm in Houston is representing the complainant, and Galveston County 10th District Court Judge Kerry L. Neves is presiding over the case.

Case No. 13-CV-362