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Jones Act Lawsuit Filed for Hurt Seaman

by | Jul 8, 2019 | Maritime Law, Personal Injury

Spagnoletti Law Firm recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of a Jones Act seaman who was injured while working on a passenger vessel, the Capt. Koen.  The Plaintiff was performing his duties in the
service of the vessel, when he suffered a debilitating stroke. At the time of the incident, Plaintiff was left behind the wheel to operate the vessel despite being an unlicensed deckhand.  Following the incident, medical treatment was delayed, resulting in additional injuries to the Plaintiff.  The lawsuit brings claims against the owner and operator of the vessel, Heather Lynn, Inc. and Capt. Koen, L.L.C., as well as the charterer Chevron Pipe Line Company.  The lawsuit alleges that the companies were negligent in:

(a) failing to provide proper and adequate crew on the vessel;
(b) failing to maintain the vessel and her appurtenances and/or equipment in a safe and reasonable state of repair;
(c) failing to take reasonable precautions for Plaintiff’s safety; and,
(d) failing to provide Plaintiff with a reasonably safe place to work.

The injured Plaintiff is represented by Marcus R. Spagnoletti and Eric J. Rhine.

A vessel owner’s duty to provide a seaworthy vessel is nondelegable, which includes the duty to
provide proper medical treatment. Of course, the duty also requires the vessel be adequately crewed.

Our attorneys have extensive experience in maritime personal injury litigation and the skills needed to represent seamen who have been seriously injured as a result of the negligence of another party. Spagnoletti Law Firm has lawyers admitted to practice in Texas, Florida and New York, and has handled maritime lawsuits throughout the country.

The experienced maritime attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights under the Jones Act. There are strict and short time limits on making claims related to vessel accidents, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 to learn more about your rights.