A Jones Act seaman is suing two marine transportation companies, alleging negligence in injuries he sustained aboard a vessel.
Tim Porterie filed a lawsuit Sept. 25 in the U.S. District Court for Southern Texas, Galveston Division against Edison Chouest Offshore Inc. and Galliano Marine Service, alleging negligence and un-seaworthiness.
According to the complaint, on July 10, while working aboard the C-PROVIDER, which was owned and operated by the defendants, Porterie fell down stairs that were not properly maintained or secured, injuring his neck, back, shoulder and arms.
The suit says the defendants were negligent in failing to properly supervise and train its crew, failing to provide adequate safety equipment and medical treatment, failing to maintain the vessel and operate it safely, and other negligent acts or omissions.
As a result, the plaintiff says he sustained bodily injuries, physical pain and mental anguish, impairment and discomfort, loss of earnings and earning capacity, and has incurred medical expenses. The complaint further alleges the defendants have refused to pay Porterie's medical expenses even though, as a seaman, he is entitled to maintenance and cure.
Porterie seeks a judgment more than the minimum jurisdictional limits of this court, punitive damages, interest, court costs and attorney fees. 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-0075097.