HOUSTON — A line handler is suing ship operators, alleging insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries to the plaintiff and an unsafe work environment.
David Ramirez filed a lawsuit Oct. 19 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against International Divers Co. Inc., doing business as Best Bet Line Handler, and PACC Container Line Pte Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Carriers Limited, alleging violation of the Jones Act and General Maritime Law.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 18, 2015, Ramirez was working with a 26-foot aluminum line handling a vessel owned and operated by defendant Best Bet. The suit says the mooring line coiled around Ramirez's left leg and pulled him beneath a steel bar causing him to sustain permanent injuries that required at least three surgeries.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to assign sufficient personnel, failed to provide proper equipment for the job and failed and/or refused to pay appropriate maintenance and cure benefits.
Ramirez seeks trial by jury, judgment of $2 million, plus interest and costs, attorney fees and all other proper relief. He is represented by attorney Robert J. Sigler of Bandas Law Firm in Corpus Christi.
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case number 4:16-cv-03096