HOUSTON – A dredging company with operations in Dallas is facing allegations that it failed to prevent harassment of a former employee and threats which led to the employee's alleged assault.
Alex Nichols filed a complaint on Dec. 23 in Harris County District Court against Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company LLC.
Nichols was employed by Great Lakes Dredge as a tender boat operator, his complaint stated. He alleged that on Nov. 15, 2020, while driving the boat, he was "forced" to use a carpenter stool that was "not intended to be on a boat" and which was not properly secured. Nichols claimed that after driving through "choppy seas," his back became injured due to the "defective equipment."
Nichols further claimed that after reporting his injuries, he was placed on "light duty"; and once he returned to his normal job duties, he faced "hostile abuse" from some of his co-workers. He also claimed that on Dec. 18, 2020, one of the co-workers who harassed him struck him in the face and choked him until he was "nearly unconscious." Nichols alleged that he suffered "permanent physical impairment" due to the negligence of Great Lakes Dredge for failing to provide him with proper equipment and also for failing to take any action regarding the threats he received.
Nichols seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, trial by jury, interest and all other just relief. He is represented by Anthony Buzbee and Christopher Leavitt of The Buzbee Law Firm in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2020-82486