BEAUMONT — A Mississippi man is suing vessel owners, alleging their negligence led the the plaintiff sustaining injuries.
Brian Vanbuskirk filed a lawsuit Sept. 9 in Jefferson County District Court against WAS Marine Service Inc. of Nederland, Texas, and Abe's Boat Rentals Inc., of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, alleging violation of applicable Coast Guard, OSHA and MMS regulations.
According to the complaint, on July 6. Vanbuskirk suffered personal injuries when the vessel he was riding in, M/V Miss Wynter, was hit by the defendants' vessel, the Capt. Stokes. As a result of his injuries, the suit says, Vansbuskirk incurred and will continue to incur substantial medical and pharmaceutical expenses because of severe pain, mental anguish and loss of earnings.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to properly maintain its vessel, failed to properly train and supervise its crew and failed to provide adequate crew members.
Vanbuskirk seeks trial by jury, monetary relief of more than $1 million, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs of court and all other relief available. He is represented by attorneys Jason A. Itkin, Noah M. Wexler and John Benjamin ''Ben'' Bireley of Arnold & Itkin LLP in Houston.
Jefferson County District Court Case number B-198974