BEAUMONT — An Alabama seaman is suing the United States and two shipping companies, alleging their negligence caused injuries to the plaintiff.
Alexander Bendolph of Mobile, Alabama, filed a lawsuit Sept. 1 in the Beaumont Division of the Eastern District of Texas against The United States of America, Keystone Shipping Co. and Keystone Ocean Services Inc., alleging failure to provide a safe place to work.
According to the complaint, on Sept. 3, 2014, Bendolph was working on the defendants' SS Pollux as an oiler and was lifting heavy items and parts. The suit says, while lifting, Bendolph injured his lower back, causing physical pain and suffering and leading to medical expenses, mental anguish and lost earnings.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to provide equipment to assist with the lifts, failed to provide additional help and failed to provide maintenance and cure.
Bendolph seeks trial by jury, judgment in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of the court, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs of court and all other relief. He is represented by attorney Jeff Seely of Gordon, Elias & Seely LLP in Houston.
Beaumont Division of the Eastern District of Texas Case number 1:16-cv-00373