A Jones Act suit seeking more than $1 million in damages was slated for trail on Oct. 6 but settled before a jury could be called in and selected.
Julio Coronado filed suit against Apollo Environmental Strategies on June 26, 2014 in Jefferson County District Court.
According to the original petition, sometime between April 7-9, 2014, Coronado was “forced to board” a barge without a safe means of doing so, resulting in injuries to his shoulder and neck.
Under the Jones Act, Coronado alleged the vessel was unseaworthy. He contended Apollo’s actions were knowing and malicious, entitling him to punitive damages.
Court records show that on Sept. 17 Apollo filed a motion to dismiss his claim for punitive damages, arguing that he is not entitled to recover punitive damages under the Jones Act.
Coronado was also seeking damages for his alleged past and future medical expenses, pain and mental anguish, impairment, disfigurement, lost wages, loss of household services and maintenance and cure, plus attorney’s fees.
Houston attorney Sean O’Rourke represents him.
Apollo is represented by Robert Vining, attorney for the Houston law firm Bland & Partners.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is presiding over the case.
Case No. D-195831