HOUSTON — A tugboat crew member injured during Hurricane Ida is claiming negligence.
Michael Ford filed a complaint Jan. 28 in Harris County against Kirby Corporation and Kirby Inland Marine LP alleging negligence and other claims.
Ford was a crew member aboard Kirby's tugboat, the Sandpiper on Aug. 29, 2021, according to his complaint. He alleges that while in the Mississippi River near Kenner, Louisiana, the Sandpiper was in the direct path of Hurricane Ida. Ford claims the ship was severely damaged in the storm and that he and his crew members had to be evacuated to a nearby barge as the tugboat began to sink.
He further claims he was tossed around during the storm and suffered injuries to his head, neck, back and legs. Ford alleges the defendants did not take proper steps to evade or seek shelter from the storm despite knowing the threat of the hurricane was imminent. He also alleges the defendants' negligence for failing to inspect, maintain and repair its equipment, or to train and supervise its crew.
He also claims the unseaworthiness of the Sandpiper and that the defendants violated OSHA and/or MMS rules.
Ford seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Kurt Arnold, Caj Boatright and Roland Christensen of Arnold & Itkin LLP in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2022-05704