GALVESTON — A seaman alleges that while aboard a commercial fishing vessel he failed to receive adequate treatment for his hand wound after being cut by a machete.
Nicholas A. Lester filed a complaint June 28 in Galveston County 56th District Court against Katie's Seafood LLC and The F/V Pisces LLC alleging negligence, unseaworthiness and other claims.
According to his complaint, Lester was employed by the defendants and was a crew member on the Bottom Line commercial fishing vessel which was operating in the Gulf of Mexico on April 14, 2021. He claims that as he was chopping eels to prep for baiting hooks, he cut his left hand with the machete and began to bleed "profusely."
Lester further claims that he received no assistance from crew members until a half hour later when the vessel's captain treated his wound with iodine and Gorilla Glue and wrapped it with gauze and electrical tape. Lester alleges he was forced to endure weeks of untreated pain and risk of infection before he was discharged and sent ashore for medical attention once the ship returned to Galveston.
He claims the defendants' failed to provide a safe work environment, failed to properly train and supervise its crew and did not provide prompt and adequate medical attention. Lester further claims the defendants' negligence for failing to inspect and maintain the vessel and its equipment and for operating the vessel in an unsafe and improper manner.
Lester seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Matthew Shaffer and Laura De La Cruz of Schechter, Shaffer & Harris LLP in Houston.
Galveston County 56th District Court case number 22-CV-1162