Noble Drilling asserts Jones Act plaintiff failed to act prudently

Noble Drilling Services has filed a verified answer in a Jones Act suit, asserting that it’s the plaintiff’s own negligence that caused him to fall.

As previously reported, Richard Wright filed suit against Noble International and the company’s subsidiaries on Sept. 27, 2011, in Jefferson County District Court.

In his suit, Wright alleges he was hurt when he stepped down through a doorway on the vessel he was serving aboard and fell, injuring his hip.

Court records show that on April 8 Noble Drilling filed a verified answer, asserting that the company is not liable in the capacity in which it has been sued.

The answer further states that the incident was caused by Wright’s own negligence and that the company bears no responsibility.

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

Beaumont attorney Tommy Yeates of Moore Landrey represents him.

Noble Drilling is represented by Sugarland attorneys Randy Fairless and Kelley Friedman.

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

Case No. A191-103