Defendants non-suited from case alleging shrimper got hand mangled by winch

Seaman Cong Van Pham, who sued Tim Nguyen and My Julie Corp., alleging it was the defendants’ fault he got his hand caught in a winch drum, has non-suited the defendants. 

As previously reported, the suit was filed Dec. 28, 2011, in Jefferson County District Court.

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

On Dec. 13 Pham filed a notice of non-suit.

The following day, Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, non-suited the the defendants with prejudice, court papers say.

The lawsuit states that on Sept. 13, 2011, Pham was serving aboard a commercial shrimping vessel and operating the tri-net drum winch when his right hand became entangled in the lines and reeled into the unguarded drum winch, causing catastrophic injuries to his hand, arm and face.

The U.S. Coastguard evacuated Pham by helicopter. He was hospitalized for three weeks, the suit states.

The suit accused the defendants of negligently failing to man the vessel and provide the proper training.

Pham was suing for his past and future mental anguish, lost wages, impairment and medical expenses, plus all court costs.

League City attorney Scott Krist represents him.

Case No. A191-574