HOUSTON – A crewmember has filed a negligence lawsuit against his employers, claiming that he was seriously injured when he fell because a ladder was removed before he could climb down a bulkhead.
Plaintiff Rafael G. Mora filed the lawsuit in Harris County District Court against the Conoco Phillips Company and Polar Tankers, citing allegations of negligence and unseaworthiness under the Jones Act and General Maritime Law.
According to court documents, Mora was a crewman hired to work aboard the vessel Polar Endeavour, a boat owned and operated by Polar Tankers.
On Sept. 4, 2023, Mora was ordered by a superior officer to paint shelves in the vessel's forward bulkhead. He alleges that he used a ladder to climb into the forward bulkhead area, and while he was up there, another worker had removed the ladder. Mora claims that due to the area being poorly lit, he didn't realize that the ladder had been removed and when he attempted to place his foot on the ladder, he fell eight to ten feet to the steel deck below, suffering severe injuries to his shoulder, neck, back, and other parts of his body.
Mora claims that due to the serious injuries he suffered, he needed immediate medical attention but was required to stay aboard the vessel for more than 17 hours until he was discharged to go to the hospital. He claims that he has undergone surgery but suffers from loss of sensation in parts of his body and still needs medical care.
Mora is seeking damages for pain, suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of earning capacity, loss of normal life, inconvenience and medical expenses, plus interest, court costs and any other relief the court deems proper. He is represented by attorney Paxton N. Crew of The Crew Law Firm, P.C. in League City.
Harris County District Court case number 202-76936