A widow is suing a variety of food service companies, alleging the wrongful death of her husband pursuant to the Jones Act, the Survivor Act and other Texas regulations in a fatal head injury.
Phung Thanh Phan, the decedent’s wife, individually and on behalf of heir Khanh Nguyen and the estate of Minh Hong Nguyen filed a lawsuit Aug. 3 in Jefferson County District Court against Lady More, Kim & Son Seafood, Kim’s Seafood 2000 Inc., Sa Van Ly, doing business as Kim Daughter Dock, and Farmer Boy’s Catfish Kitchens International Inc., alleging liability for the accidental death of Minh Hong Nguyen in August 2013.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 17, 2013, the senior Nguyen was aboard the fishing vessel “Lady More” when during an offloading procedure on navigable waters, he was struck in the head by a pulley while a load of shrimp was being transferred from the vessel to a dock located in Sabine Pass and died of his injuries.
The suit says the defendants failed to properly train and supervise their crew, inspect and maintain the vessel, and provide adequate safety equipment and medical treatment.
Phan alleges her husband was healthy and had a normal life expectancy. The plaintiff says the family incurred the loss of his company and care along with financial loss, mental anguish, medical bills and funeral expenses.
Phan seeks up to $100,000 in compensation for exemplary damages, penalties, pre-judgment interest, attorney fees expenses, and costs. She is represented by attorney Kyle Courtney of DT Pham & Associates in Houston.
Jefferson County District Court case number E-197402.