GALVESTON - A Mississippi seaman has filed a Jones Act lawsuit against his employer following an alleged workplace fall last year, recent court papers say.
Randall Lewis's suit, filed July 18 in Galveston County Court at Law No. 3, blames Inland Dredging Co. for injuries he sustained on June 1, 2012.
Lewis was working on the defendant's dredge barges at the time of the events in question.
According to the suit, the plaintiff then "fell down some stairs that were coated and/or covered in oil."
He adds that the subject incident left him with broken ribs, an injured back and injuries to other parts of his body.
"The defendant had the plaintiff and other crew members continue working despite the dangerous conditions that were posed to them," the original petition says.
"The defendant did so knowing that the conditions posed dangerous and grave safety concerns."
Inland Dredging is blamed for:
- Failing to train its employees;
- Failing to inspect, maintain and repair equipment;
- Failing to maintain a safe work environment;
- Failing to provide appropriate medical attention; and
- Failing to warn the plaintiff of dangers hidden aboard the dredge barge.
Consequently, Lewis seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.
Attorney Kurt B. Arnold of Arnold & Itkin LLP in Houston is representing the complainant.
Cause No. 70,332