A lawsuit has been filed by Spagnoletti Law Firm in Harris County, Texas against SEACOR Marine, LLC arising out of an alleged maritime injury aboard the L/B Jill. The lawsuit asserts claims under the Jones Act and general maritime law on behalf of the injured maritime worker.
What the Lawsuit Alleges Happened
According to the petition, on or about May 19, 2023, the plaintiff was working in the service of the L/B Jill when he was struck in the head by a piece of metal pipe.
The lawsuit alleges that while assisting with the installation of metal pipe aboard the vessel, a fellow seaman positioned approximately thirty feet above the plaintiff dropped a piece of pipe. The pipe struck the plaintiff on the right side of his forehead above his eye.
As described in the petition, the plaintiff claims to have suffered injuries to his neck, back, and head as a result of the incident.
Claims Against SEACOR Marine, LLC and Alleged Failures
The petition alleges that SEACOR Marine, LLC owned, operated, and/or crewed the L/B Jill at the time of the incident. The lawsuit claims the incident was caused by the negligence and/or gross negligence of SEACOR and the unseaworthiness of the vessel.
Specifically, the plaintiff alleges that SEACOR failed to maintain the vessel and its equipment in a safe condition, failed to take reasonable precautions for crew safety, failed to adequately train the crew, failed to provide proper equipment, failed to implement adequate safety protocols, failed to properly oversee the work being performed, failed to adequately crew the vessel, failed to conduct adequate safety meetings and job safety analyses, and failed to provide a reasonably safe place to work.
These alleged failures form the foundation of the plaintiff’s negligence claims.
Jones Act, Unseaworthiness, and Maintenance and Cure Claims
The lawsuit asserts a Jones Act Claim, alleging that the plaintiff was injured in the course and scope of his employment and that SEACOR’s negligence caused his injuries. Under the Jones Act, a seaman may recover damages if employer negligence played any part, even the slightest, in causing the injury.
In addition, the petition alleges that the L/B Jill was unseaworthy. Under general maritime law, a vessel owner has a duty to provide a vessel that is reasonably fit for its intended purpose, including safe equipment, adequate crew, and safe work methods. The lawsuit claims this duty was breached.
The plaintiff also seeks maintenance and cure benefits, alleging that he was injured while in the service of the vessel and has not reached maximum medical improvement. The petition further alleges that SEACOR failed to properly pay or timely provide maintenance and cure benefits and that the alleged failure was arbitrary and capricious, entitling the plaintiff to additional damages and attorneys’ fees.
Damages Sought
The petition seeks recovery for mental anguish, lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, disfigurement, physical impairment, past and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
In maritime injury cases, damages may include both economic damages and non-economic damages depending on the severity and long-term consequences of the injury.
Falling Objects, Hazard Mitigation, and Vessel Responsibilities
Incidents involving falling objects aboard vessels present serious risks to maritime workers. Work performed at elevated heights—especially involving heavy tools, pipe, or equipment—requires strict coordination, communication, and hazard control measures.
Proper hazard mitigation may include barricading drop zones, requiring tool lanyards or securing equipment, conducting pre-task safety meetings, implementing job safety analyses, and ensuring adequate supervision. Companies operating vessels must also ensure that crews are properly trained, that work is adequately staffed, and that known risks are actively managed.
When falling object hazards are not properly controlled, injuries can include concussions, neck trauma, back injuries, and other potentially life-altering conditions. These types of incidents frequently require investigation into training procedures, safety protocols, supervision, and compliance with maritime safety standards. Evidence preservation, including internal reports and witness testimony, often plays a critical role in establishing liability. Discovery may involve written discovery and sworn testimony such as a deposition to determine what safety measures were in place and whether they were followed.
Speak With a Maritime Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured while working offshore or aboard a vessel, understanding your rights under maritime law is critical. A maritime injury lawyer can help evaluate whether negligence or unseaworthiness played a role.
Spagnoletti Law Firm represents injured maritime workers and their families in Jones Act and general maritime law claims.
For a confidential consultation, call Spagnoletti Law Firm at 713-804-9306. You may also contact us online to discuss your case.