HOUSTON — A worker aboard a shipping and dredging company vessel alleges he suffered serious injuries due to the vessel's unseaworthiness.
Jerimick Roberts filed a complaint Aug. 30 in Harris County District Court against Prime Ocean Shipping and Dredging Inc., and Valaris PLC alleging negligence and unseaworthiness.
Roberts alleges in his complaint that while working aboard the defendant's vessel, the Ralph Coffman, on Aug. 9, 2021, he severely injured his wrist and ribs. Specifically, Roberts alleges that while putting a hatch on the second level of the rig, the hatch malfunctioned and caused him to fall to the main deck.
He claims he was treated by the medic on staff and then flown to a nearby hospital where he underwent immediate wrist surgery and will require future surgeries for his injuries. Roberts alleges security barriers which should have been installed were not in place and that he was not properly trained or provided with proper tools and equipment to perform his duties.
He further alleges that the vessel was unseaworthy and was not properly maintained in compliance with industry standards.
Roberts seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Attorneys Brian Beckom and Brendan Fradkin in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-54747