GALVESTON – A Jones Act seaman alleges he was injured because of an unsafe work environment.
Michael J. Phillips filed a complaint on Aug. 16 in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Liberty Maritime Corp. alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on March 31, he was an able-bodied seaman aboard defendant's M/V Liberty Grace when he sustained injuries while handling a load. He alleges he has suffered serious and debilitating injuries to his right arm, right elbow and right knee.
The plaintiff holds Liberty Maritime Corp. responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to provide sufficient crew members and adequate equipment to safely perform the task and refused to provide maintenance and cure benefits.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against defendant in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of the court, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs of court and such other and further relief. He is represented by Matthew D. Shaffer of Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris LLP in Houston.
Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas case number 3:17-cv-00252