HOUSTON – A Jones Act seaman alleges he was injured while working because he was required to manually lift a heavy object without an adequate crew.
Benjamin Ratliff filed a complaint on May 21 in the Harris County District Court against Baywater Drilling LLC and Hilcorp Energy Co. alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on May 15, he was working aboard defendants' vessel, the Bayou Blue, when he was seriously injured when he was required to manually lift large objects in excess of 300 pounds. He alleges he sustained injuries to his neck, back and other parts of his body.
The plaintiff holds Baywater Drilling LLC and Hilcorp Energy Co. responsible because the defendants allegedly failed to properly train and supervise their employees, failed to provide necessary safety equipment and failed to provide a safe working condition.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks actual and consequential damages, prejudgment and post-judgment interest, costs of court and all other relief to which he is entitled. He is represented by Kurt B. Arnold, J. Kyle Findley, Kala F. Sellers and Adam Lewis of Arnold & Itkin LLP in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2018-33823