Electrician Files Lawsuit Against Houston Maritime Company For Injuries On Job
A DeWitt County electrician has filed a personal injury lawsuit against a Houston maritime company for injuries that he suffered on the company's vessel during the performance of his duties. The lawsuit was filed in the Galveston County District Court against the employer, Diamond Offshore Services Company.
There are no details yet on the kind of injuries sustained, and the nature of the tasks the electrician Richard Dean Dewitt was performing when he suffered them. However, the lawsuit does claim that the injuries took place while Dewitt was engaged in work aboard the Ocean Clipper, a vessel owned by Diamond Offshore Services Company, and that the vessel was unseaworthy. As a result, Dewitt suffered injuries to his back and other parts of his body. The lawsuit claims damages for "severe pain, physical impairment, mental anguish, and distress." Dewitt, who was not able to work after the injuries, also incurred huge medical bills that he says the company was not willing to cover. He has requested a jury trial for his case.
Maritime Worker's Rights
Companies engaged in maritime activities with offshore refineries, oil rigs, cruise ships, fishing vessels, and other commercial activities performed on navigable waters, are required to maintain a seaworthy vessel at all times. Maritime workers must be provided safe work conditions in what can otherwise be a dangerous and unacceptably hazardous environment.
Under the Jones Act, if a company fails to provide such precautions, and a maritime worker is injured as a result, the company can be held liable for expenses and damages arising out of such accidents. Damages can include lost wages, as well as loss of future wages if the worker will be unable to work in the future. The company can also be liable for damages for mental anguish and suffering, as well as any physical disfigurement arising from the injuries. Besides Jones Act rights, workers may also be eligible for benefits under general maritime law. Maritime workers may not be fully aware of the scope and extent of statutes that exist to protect them, with the result being that they may settle for far less compensation than is due them.
Filing Maritime Injury Claims
Claiming damages for injuries while you’re engaged in work aboard a vessel requires a thorough understanding of Jones Act rights, and general maritime law statutes, and the ability to apply them to be sure you receive the full compensation to which you are entitled. The maritime lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP have helped hundreds of workers receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact an experienced maritime lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a FREE evaluation of your case.
