An Oregon resident is suing his employer after he was severely injured in a boat accident while trying to leave Peru.
Jeffery A. Wilkerson filed a lawsuit May 7 in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Petrobras America Inc., citing negligence.
Wilkerson worked as a mechanic at the defendant's facility in Peru. According to the complaint, on Feb. 13, 2013, rainstorms prevented Wilkerson from leaving on a airplane when it was time for him to return to the United States. He claims that instead, the company provided him with a small boat and pilot.
The suit alleges the boat violently struck something in the water, which caused the vessel to flip. Wilkerson claims he was thrown into the water and trapped under the boat.
The accident caused Wilkerson to suffer multiple injuries, including broken teeth, a concussion and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Wilkerson is seeking damages, interest and court costs.
He is being represented in the case by Houston attorney Marcus R. Spagnoletti of Spagnoletti and Co.
Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case No. 3:14-cv-00154
This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Galveston County Courthouse. 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.