A personal injury lawsuit was filed for a client of Spagnoletti Law Firm in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana involving alleged injuries suffered by a vessel captain assigned to the M/V Leader. The complaint names REC Marine Logistics, LLC, REC Boats, LLC, and GOL, L.L.C. as defendants and brings claims under the Jones Act and general maritime law.
What the Lawsuit Alleges Happened
According to the complaint, on or about June 7, 2023, the captain reported for duty and picked up a pickup truck owned and operated by one of the defendants to transport supplies intended to be loaded onto the M/V Leader. The lawsuit alleges the truck’s tailgate was missing a component, making it difficult to lower. While attempting to release the tailgate to offload supplies, the captain felt sharp shoulder pain that was later diagnosed as a torn rotator cuff, along with neck and back pain.
The lawsuit further claims the captain continued the hitch, experienced significant pain and difficulty raising an arm, reported the condition, and that medical treatment was delayed because a relief crew member was not arranged promptly.
Lawsuit Against REC Marine Logistics, LLC, REC Boats, LLC, and GOL, L.L.C.
The lawsuit asserts admiralty jurisdiction and pleads claims under the Jones Act and general maritime law. In cases like this, litigation often centers on whether reasonably safe equipment and work methods were provided, and whether the vessel interests responded appropriately once an injury was reported.
The Defendants’ Alleged Responsibilities
In maritime operations, vessel owners and operators are expected to plan routine work—like staging and loading supplies—in a way that does not expose crewmembers to unnecessary risk. That includes maintaining vehicles and equipment used in vessel service, addressing known defects promptly, and ensuring crew members are not required to work through injuries that could worsen their condition.
When an injury is reported, maritime law imposes specific duties that go beyond simply documenting the incident. A vessel operator must respond reasonably under the circumstances and ensure that medical needs are addressed in a timely manner.
Unseaworthiness Claim
In addition to negligence, the lawsuit asserts that the M/V Leader was unseaworthy due to an unsafe method of work connected to loading supplies onto the vessel. Under general maritime law, a vessel owner must provide a seaworthy vessel, including proper equipment and safe working conditions.
The complaint alleges that the unsafe work method was a proximate cause of the injuries.
Jones Act and Maintenance and Cure
The lawsuit seeks recovery under the Jones Act and also requests maintenance and cure, alleging the injury occurred in the service of the vessel. These benefits are owed regardless of fault and continue until maximum medical improvement is reached.
Damages Claimed
The lawsuit seeks compensation for:
- Past and future lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Past and future medical expenses
- Physical impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
These categories generally fall into broader legal classifications such as economic damages and non-economic damages.
How These Cases Are Investigated
Maritime injury cases often turn on documentation and preservation of proof. That can include an internal accident report, maintenance logs, and testimony from crew members.
Establishing causation is a central issue — meaning proof that the unsafe condition or negligent act actually caused the injury. Preserving critical evidence early can significantly affect the outcome of a case.
Speak With a Maritime Injury Lawyer
If you were injured while working aboard a vessel and have questions about your rights under maritime law, you may benefit from speaking with a maritime injury lawyer.
Spagnoletti Law Firm represents injured maritime workers and their families. We understand the complexities of Jones Act claims and general maritime law.
For a confidential consultation, call Spagnoletti Law Firm at 713-804-9306. You can also contact us online to discuss your potential case.