HOUSTON — The wife of a seaman who died from COVID-19 claims her husband failed to receive proper medical care.
Deborah Dwiggins, as personal representative of the Estate of Gary Dwiggins, filed a complaint Jan. 9 in Harris County District Court against Orion Marine Construction Inc., alleging liability and other claims.
According to Dwiggins' complaint, her husband Gary was a seaman aboard the defendant's M/V Sydney Rae in January of 2022. She claims that she became ill and tested positive for COVID-19 in December of 2021, and that several days after being exposed to her, he informed the crew and captain of his exposure and was told not to follow the recommended five day quarantine, was kept on the vessel and continued to perform his work.
Dwiggins claims that her husband became severely sick and was not sent off the vessel to receive onshore treatment until days later when he was found in "dire condition" in his cabin. She alleges that the defendant's failure to provide timely medical care for her husband, caused his death from COVID-19 after three weeks in the hospital.
Dwiggins claims the defendants failed to implement proper medical rules and follow federal, state and local regulations and guidelines regarding COVID-19, failed to properly supervise its crew or have adequate medical personnel and equipment aboard the vessel.
Dwiggins seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest, trial by jury and all otehr just relief. She is represented by Ryan Zehl and Michael Streich of Zehl & Associates PLC in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2023-01243