A Texas seaman has filed a lawsuit against his employer, alleging severe injuries due to negligence and unsafe working conditions. Geronimo Salinas filed the complaint in Harris County District Court on September 13, 2024, against Weeks Marine, Inc.
According to the court documents, Salinas was employed as a seaman aboard one of Weeks Marine's dredge vessels on June 21, 2024. The vessel was operating in the Port of Houston when Salinas was tasked with handling heavy wire ropes without adequate assistance or proper tools. This strenuous activity led to severe and lasting injuries to his back. Salinas claims that the vessel was undermanned and that his work hitch had been extended and doubled, exacerbating the unsafe conditions. "Plaintiff suffered severe and lasting injuries to his back," states the complaint.
Salinas accuses Weeks Marine of multiple acts of negligence, including failing to properly man their crew, inadequately training their crew, not providing necessary equipment for safe work performance, and failing to take reasonable precautions for his safety. He also alleges that the vessel was unseaworthy and that these conditions directly contributed to his injuries. The plaintiff is seeking damages for physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, loss of enjoyment of life, lost earnings both past and future, medical expenses, and punitive damages due to what he describes as willful and wanton conduct by Weeks Marine.
In addition to compensatory damages exceeding $1 million, Salinas is also seeking maintenance and cure benefits under the Jones Act. He claims that despite his severe injuries sustained on the job, he has not been paid these benefits. "Defendant’s failure to pay maintenance and cure is arbitrary capricious, willful, and wanton," asserts Salinas in his filing.
The case highlights significant allegations against Weeks Marine regarding their operational practices and treatment of employees. If found liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior for any negligent acts committed by its employees or representatives during their employment scope with Weeks Marine could face substantial financial penalties.
Representing Geronimo Salinas are attorneys Kyle W. Chapel (State Bar No. 24116188) and Michael E. Pierce (State Bar No. 24039114) from Pierce Skrabanek PLLC. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-62442 in Harris County District Court.