GALVESTON — A Washington state captain is suing shipping companies, alleging they required him to work in dangerous weather conditions, leading to the plaintiff suffering injuries.
James W. Rockom, of Poulsbo, Washington, filed a lawsuit May 4 in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Skanska Inc., Skanska USA Inc., Nova Group Inc. and The Dutra Group Inc., alleging negligence in failing to provide proper equipment to complete a task and leading to the plaintiff's injuries.
According to the complaint, on Nov. 25, 2015, Rockom, the captain of a vessel pushing a barge, sustained injuries to his back and body as a result of being thrown forward by a wave while performing his duties at the U.S. Kitsap Bangor Naval Base in Kitsap County, Washington. The plaintiff alleges the defendants asked him to perform his duties despite knowing the weather was unreasonably dangerous.
Rockom seeks a trial by jury, damages of more than $1 million, interest at the maximum rate allowed by the law, all legal fees and any other relief the court deems just. He is represented by attorney Matthew D. Shaffer of Schechter, Mcelwee, Shaffer & Harris LLP in Houston.
Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case number 3:16-cv-00117