Seaman seeks $2.5M for slip and fall

Seeking $2.5 million in damages, seaman Jose Maroquin, a Hidalgo County resident, has filed a slip-and-fall lawsuit against RLB Contracting.

The suit was filed Nov. 18 in Jefferson County District Court.

According to the lawsuit, on Oct. 16 Maroquin was performing his duties aboard RLB’s dredge vessel and tender boat when the dredge stuck the boat, causing it to shift in the water.

Maroquin claims the engine room he was in at the time of the incident did not have adequate lighting or grating to walk on and the floor was covered in oil. As a result, Maroquin slipped and fell and injured his lower back, the suit says.

Because of the alleged incident, the plaintiff claims to have suffered past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.

RLB allegedly refused to pay for all of his maintenance and cure and tried to force him to work beyond doctor restrictions, according to the suit.

The suit accuses the defendant of failing to provide a seaworthy vessel.

Houston attorney Anthony Buzbee represents him.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. D194-982