Seaman sues after suffering back injuries from lifting heavy equipment

A Liberty County seaman has filed a lawsuit against his employer claiming he suffered back injuries when he repeatedly lifted heavy equipment over his head.

Bobby Skarpa filed the lawsuit against Cameron International on July 15 in Liberty County District Court. The defendant removed the case to Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division. 

The incident occurred on Feb. 2 while Skarpa was assigned to Transocean Deepwater Navigator.

According to the suit, Skarpa seriously injured his lower back after he was directed to repeatedly lift bonnet extension, weighing approximately 60 to 70 pounds over his head, without any assistance from another employee.

Skarpa alleges his injuries were a result of the defendant’s negligence and the unseaworthiness of the vessel.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for pain, suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment, medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, maintenance and cure, loss of consortium, loss of household services, attorney’s fees, exemplary damages, interest and court costs.

Skarpa is represented by Liberty attorney James D. Chandler. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Ron Clark is assigned to the case.

Case No. 1:13-cv-00616