HOUSTON — A seaman alleges improper safety measures caused his injuries while working on a flowline at a platform in the Gulf owned and operated by Quarternorth Energy.
Christopher Sheaves filed a complaint May 23 in Harris County District Court against Quarternorth Energy LLC alleging general maritime negligence.
According to his complaint, Sheaves was working as a seaman aboard the DSV M/S Kerci. He alleges the vessel crew was assisting with replacement of a flowline that was attached to a platform owned and operated by Quarternorth in the Vermillion Block of the Gulf of Mexico. Sheaves claims that on April 29, 2022, Quarternorth instructed the crew to proceed with clearing and pigging of the flowline, however there was still pressure on the line due to a valve left open. He alleges the pressure built, caused the line to fail and for him to be thrown to the deck of the vessel.
Sheaves claims he suffered serious injuries and incurred medical treatment expenses as well as lost wages. He alleges Quarternorth failed to inspect the line and ordered the work on the line without warning of the dangers. He also alleges Quarternorth failed to have proper procedures in place for the operation and did not properly train the workers involved in the operation.
Sheaves seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by William Stout and Graham Sutliff of Sutliff & Stout PLLC in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2022-30699