Spagnoletti Law Firm has filed a Jones Act lawsuit against Ryan Marine Services, Inc. and GO Marine Services, LLC on behalf of a seaman who suffered serious injuries while working aboard the RMS Citation. The lawsuit claims that negligence, unsafe working conditions, and delayed medical care led to preventable harm, causing severe and lasting injuries to the plaintiff.
Incident Overview
On September 4, 2021, the plaintiff, a cook and crew member aboard the RMS Citation, was injured while loading groceries onto the vessel. After repeatedly carrying heavy loads, he began experiencing a burning sensation in his right side. Recognizing the severity of the pain, he reported the injury to the vessel’s captain while the ship was still near shore.
Instead of arranging for the plaintiff to be transported to shore for medical evaluation, the lawsuit alleges that the captain chose to continue the vessel’s planned route, sending the ship southwest toward Corpus Christi, Texas for buoy placement operations. For 28 hours, the plaintiff endured severe pain and worsening symptoms before the vessel finally docked in Corpus Christi, where he was evacuated to a hospital.
The lawsuit claims that the delay in medical treatment worsened the severity of his condition, leading to significant injuries to his testicles and groin. As a result, the plaintiff has undergone three surgeries, including the surgical amputation of his right testicle, and will require ongoing medical care for the remainder of his life.
Failures That Led to the Plaintiff’s Injuries
The lawsuit alleges that Ryan Marine Services and GO Marine Services failed in multiple ways, directly contributing to the plaintiff’s injuries.
First, the lawsuit claims there was a lack of proper workplace safety measures. Loading heavy supplies onto a vessel is a physically demanding task that requires proper equipment, assistance, and rest breaks to prevent injury. The failure to implement safe lifting protocols and provide adequate support allegedly created conditions where the plaintiff was forced to carry excessive weight repeatedly, leading to his initial injury.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges there was a failure to obtain timely medical treatment once the injury was reported. Medical emergencies aboard vessels must be treated with urgency, especially when the vessel is still near shore. In this case, the lawsuit claims that the captain’s decision to continue offshore operations for an additional 28 hours before seeking medical care significantly worsened the plaintiff’s condition. The delay in treatment likely contributed to the severity of his injuries and the need for multiple surgeries.
The plaintiff also alleges that deficiencies in emergency response policies aboard the vessel played a role in his injuries. Maritime employers must have clear procedures for responding to medical emergencies, including protocols for determining when a crew member needs immediate evacuation. The failure to follow basic emergency medical protocols, the lawsuit claims, constitutes negligence and violated the fundamental duty to protect crew members from unnecessary harm.
Next Steps: Understanding Your Rights Under the Jones Act
Seamen who suffer injuries due to unsafe working conditions, employer negligence, or delayed medical treatment have legal protections under the Jones Act and general maritime law. These laws allow injured maritime workers to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity due to permanent injuries.
- Pain and suffering, including the long-term physical and emotional toll of the injury.
Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, a Jones Act claim requires proving negligence—meaning the injured worker must show that the employer’s failure to provide a safe workplace or timely medical care contributed to the injury. Given the complexities of maritime law, consulting an experienced Jones Act attorney is crucial to ensuring that all available legal remedies are pursued.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm for Maritime Injury Claims
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working aboard a vessel, barge, or offshore platform, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit under the Jones Act and general maritime law. The Jones Act injury lawyers at Spagnoletti Law Firm have experience handling cases involving maritime injuries, employer negligence, and failure to provide timely medical care.
To learn more about your legal options, contact us online or call 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. There are strict deadlines for filing maritime injury claims, so don’t wait to take action