HOUSTON – A Louisiana man alleges he was injured while working on a vessel because a company failed to provide a safe means to enter and exit it.
Herman Verdin Jr. filed a complaint on Feb. 9 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Hornbeck Offshore Operators LLC alleging unseaworthiness.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff was employed by U.S. Recovery at the time he was injured. He alleges that on Feb. 9, 2015, he was injured while working as a tank cleaner on defendant's HOS Crockett vessel when he slipped and fell between the vessel and the dock. He alleges sustained severe and disabling injuries resulting in pain, mental anguish, loss of earning capacity, disfigurement and medical expenses.
The plaintiff holds Hornbeck Offshore Operators LLC responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to provide a proper means of ingress and egress to and from the vessel and failed to maintain the vessel and her appurtenances and/or equipment in a safe and reasonable state of repair.
The plaintiff seeks actual damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, punitive damages, attorney's fees, costs of suit and all other relief to which he may be entitled. He is represented by Eric J. Rhine of Spagnoletti & Co. in Houston.
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas case number 4:18-cv-00390