HOUSTON – A Hidalgo County seaman is seeking more than $1 million from his employer over two injuries sustained while working in 2018, one of which severed a finger.
Sahaid Ornelas filed a complaint on Jan. 30 in the Harris County District Court against Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Nov. 26, 2018, he fell and injured his knee and back while working for the defendant. He alleges he was injured again on Dec. 22, 2018, when a pipe trapped his hand and severed his thumb.
The plaintiff alleges the defendant has denied payment of maintenance and cure benefits or paid an insufficient amount.
The plaintiff holds Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. responsible because the defendant also allegedly refused to investigate and to acknowledge that he was injured and failed to have adequate equipment available.
The plaintiff seeks judgment against the defendant in an amount of more than $1 million and such other and further relief to which he may be justly entitled. He is represented by Anthony G. Buzbee, Christopher J. Leavitt and Fernando R. Garza of The Buzbee Law Firm in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2019-07266