HOUSTON — A seaman alleges an unlit, steep staircase aboard a Kirby Inland Marine vessel caused his fall and injuries.
William Dortch filed a complaint Sept. 20 in Harris County District Court against Kirby Inland Marine LP alleging Jones Act negligence and unseaworthiness.
Dortch alleges in his complaint, that he was working aboard the defendant's M/V Sweeny vessel on Jan. 5, 2020. He claims that he was making a delivery to the vessel's wheelhouse and that the wheelman on duty failed to turn on the lights which caused him to fall down the steep stairwell and suffer injuries to his back, hip, legs and other parts of his body.
Dortch claims Kirby Inland Marine's negligence for failing to have adequate lighting on its vessel, failing to have a safe workplace and failing to properly inspect and maintain the vessel and its equipment. He also claims Kirby Inland Marine failed to provide an adequate warning, was in violation of Coast Guard regulations and failed to have a seaworthy vessel. Dortch alleges he also suffered impairment, mental anguish, lost wages and incurred medical care expenses.
Dortch seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Ryan Zehl and Michael Streich of Zehl & Associates in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-60672