A Jones Act seaman is suing a marine transportation company, alleging negligence for injuries he sustained in an accident aboard one of its vessels.
Wesley Russell filed a lawsuit Sept. 25 in Galveston County District Court against Marquette Transportation Company Gulf-Inland, alleging negligence and un-seaworthiness.
On March 9, the complaint states, while working aboard the MV Darin M. Adrian, owned by Marquette Transportation, Russell was instructed to use a ratchet tool, which came apart and caused him to fall, injuring his back and neck.
The suit says the defendant was negligent in failing to properly supervise and train its crew, failing to provide adequate safety equipment and medical treatment, failing to safely operate the vessel and other negligent acts or omissions.
The complaint also alleges the defendant has refused to pay the plaintiff's medical bills, although, as a seaman, he is entitled to maintenance and cure. As a result, Russell alleges he sustained injuries to his back and neck, physical pain and mental anguish, impairment and discomfort, loss of earnings and earning capacity, and has incurred medical expenses.
Russell seeks judgment more than the minimum jurisdictional limits of the court, punitive damages, interest, attorney fees and court costs. He is represented by attorneys Kurt B. Arnold, J. Kyle Findley and Kala F. Sellers of Arnold & Itkin in Houston.
Galveston County District Court case number cv-0075095.