HOUSTON — A seaman alleges Great Lakes Dredge & Dock has failed to provide him with maintenance and cure for the injuries he suffered while working aboard their vessel.
Robert Strunk filed a complaint May 9 in Harris County District Court against Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company LLC.
According to Strunk's suit, he worked aboard the defendant's vessel and in April of 2021, was re-assigned to supervise a bull-gang in Louisiana. He alleges that in July of 2021, he suffered injuries while transferring between two of Great Lakes' vessels when his foot became caught between two tires.
Strunk further claims he injured his back, other parts of his body and aggravated a pre-existing injury while trying to free himself quickly and forcefully. He alleges that he was placed on light duty due to his injuries and has not been able to return to work.
Strunk claims he also suffered lost wages and incurred medical expenses as a result of his injuries and that Great Lakes has failed to pay or is delaying his benefits of maintenance and cure. He also claims Great Lakes unreasonably delayed payments for his maintenance and cure as a seaman and was "arbitrary, malicious, capricious and wrong."
Strunk seeks monetary relief of more than $1million, interest, trial by jury 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 2022-27770