HOUSTON - Apache Industrial Services was recently hit with a lawsuit alleging a worker was injured when he hit his head on scaffolding that had been placed in a stairwell without his knowledge.
Through The Ferguson Law Firm, Andre Johnlewis filed suit on Oct. 26, seeking more than $1 million in damages.
According to the lawsuit, Johnlewis suffered life-changing injuries while working on Great Lake’s vessel in Amelia, Louisiana on July 31. Johnlewis worked for AMPOL. He and his crew were exiting the vessel when he struck his head on a scaffold.
Johnlewis did not know Apache had installed scaffolding throughout the vessel.
“As PLAINTIFF walked up the center stairs with his hard hat, he struck his head on the dangerous crossbar causing PLAINTIFF to fall back and strike his head, back, and body on the deck floor while his left foot remained stuck in the steps of the staircase,” the suit states. “PLAINTIFF became unconscious at the scene and started foaming at the mouth. Rescue crews came and lifted him by crane in a basket to the dock where he was then life-flighted to a hospital.
“The dangerous scaffold and its low crossbars were immediately removed after PLAINTIFF was life-flight to the hospital. By that time, it was too little, too late.”
Johnlewis is represented by Ferguson Law attorneys Cody Dishon and Javier Cabanillas, as well as Kemah attorney Jill Swearingen Pierce.
Filed in Harris County District Court, case No. 2020-68759