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Lawsuit Filed After Crane Accident on Vessel

by | Sep 3, 2019 | Civil litigation, Firm News

Spagnoletti Law Firm recently filed suit on behalf of a Jones Act seaman who was injured on an offshore vessel during a crane accident.  During the incident, our client was performing his duties as a roustabout on board the Noble Globetrotter I, when he was severely injured. During his work that day, he was was assisting during a lift operation. The crane operator on the vessel attempted to lift a bottom hole assembly.  After the pipes were lifted off the deck of the vessel, the load swung suddenly and struck our client. Plaintiff was trapped between the pipes and a handrail on the vessel until another roustabout was able to maneuver the load off of Plaintiff with the use of a tag line.

At the time, the injured worker was employed by Houston-based Spencer Ogden, Inc.  The lawsuit also brings claims against Noble Drilling (U.S.) and Shell Oil Company.  The lawsuit alleges that the Defendants provided an unseaworthy vessel, and 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;
(d) failing to provide Plaintiff with a reasonably safe place to work;
(e) failing to provide proper and adequate supervision of the lift;
(f) failing to properly coordinate the lift;
(g) failing to maintain adequate communication with the crane operator;
(h) failing to exercise stop work authority;
(i) failing to perform adequate safety meetings and analyses to identify and minimize the risk to Plaintiff and others; and
(j) allowing an incompetent and reckless crane operator to operate the crane.

The Plaintiff is represented by Spagnoletti Law Firm attorneys Marcus Spagnoletti and Eric J. Rhine.

It can be dangerous to work in any industry when safety considerations are not taken seriously.  This is especially so when working on a large ship. Safe maritime companies must ensure that their ships do not put the lives of their passengers or workers at risk.  Safe maritime companies must be proactive and take preventative measures, including regular maintenance and repairs, as well as ensuring its crew members are adequately trained.

Our experienced lawyers handle maritime personal injury and wrongful death litigation of all kinds and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured as a result of a vessel fire. The lawyers of Spagnoletti Law Firm have handled maritime lawsuits throughout the country.

The experienced and aggressive vessel accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a maritime accident. There are strict and short time limits on making claims related to maritime injuries, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 to learn more about your rights.