Marine company sued for $5M after employee injured aboard tug boat

A seaman is suing after sustaining injuries while working aboard a vessel and is seeking up to $5 million in compensation. 

Joel Vasquez filed a lawsuit Feb. 19 in the Galveston County District Court against Breathwit Marine Contractors Inc. and The Tug Jacob B LLC.

According to the complaint, on March 20, 2013, Vasquez was injured while performing his regular duties aboard defendant's vessel.

The defendant is accused of:

• Failing to provide a safe place to work;

• Failing to provide adequate assistance; and

• Failing to provide the proper tools and equipment.

In addition, the plaintiff contends that Breathwit Marine committed willful and wanton misconduct in failing to provide a seaworthy vessel. 

Vasquez is seeking damages not exceeding $5 million.

The plaintiff is being represented in the case by Anthony G. Buzbee and Christopher J. Leavitt of The Buzbee Law Firm.

Case No. 14-cv-0188

 

 

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in the Galveston County Court. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.