Houston seaman claims employers did not provide medical help following apparent stroke

HOUSTON - A Houston seaman claims his employers did not provide adequate medical attention for a stroke he suffered almost two years ago, recent court papers say.

In a lawsuit filed Aug. 7 in Houston federal court, Raudeo Panganiban asserts that American Automar Inc., Osprey Ship Management Inc. and APL Maritime Ltd. overlooked the signs of illness he displayed as a crew member aboard their vessel, the MV American Tern, while it was in transit from Riga, Latvia, in early November 2010.

Panganiban seeks $2.5 million in damges.

According to the suit, Panganiban states that he had a dizzy spell during one of his tasks when the ship was docked in Riga, stating he registered a blood pressure reading of 170/110 but the vessel's second mate did not make any arrangements for him to be treated.

The plaintiff then slept only to wake up and find that the American Tern "was already at sea."

He had another blood pressure check, and when he asked the respondents why he was not taken to the hospital, he was told "that the weather was bad and the seas were rough," the original petition says.

It adds the complainant noticed a tug boat near his ship, however, the defendants failed to inform him that the boat could have brought him back to shore.

"As it turns out, the plaintiff suffered an ischemic stroke," the suit says.

Panganiban eventually returned to Houston where he has been under a physician's care.

The suit says that he "has sustained significant disability that has prevented his returning to work."

He is represented by attorney Steven C. Barkley of Beaumont.

Case No. 4:13-CV-2302