A lawsuit has been filed in Harris County, Texas, against Mike Hooks, LLC following serious injuries sustained by a seaman while working aboard the dredging vessel MISSOURI H. The petition, filed on April 5, 2024, brings claims under the Jones Act, and for maintenance and cure.
Incident Summary
According to the lawsuit, the Plaintiff was employed as a deckhand aboard the MISSOURI H on January 30, 2024. While disconnecting a submerged pipe held in place by a crane, the pipe suddenly swung and struck him on the shoulder, ribs, arm, and hand. The force knocked him to the deck, resulting in injuries to his ribs, back, wrist, and elbow.
Alleged Failures by Mike Hooks, LLC
The lawsuit claims that the accident occurred as a direct result of the negligence and gross negligence of Mike Hooks and the unseaworthiness of the vessel. Specific allegations include:
- Failing to provide adequate equipment and a safe working environment.
- Failing to maintain the vessel and its appurtenances in proper repair.
- Failing to implement and enforce adequate crane safety protocols, meetings, and job safety analyses.
- Inadequate crewing and supervision of the vessel’s operations.
The Plaintiff further alleges that the company’s negligence left him without a reasonably safe place to work, directly contributing to his injuries.
Vessel Owner Responsibilities Toward Seamen
Under maritime law, vessel owners have a duty to provide seamen with a seaworthy vessel and safe working conditions. This includes ensuring equipment is maintained, work procedures are safe, and crews are properly trained and supervised. When a vessel is unseaworthy or operated without sufficient safety precautions, seamen face significant risks of injury. In such cases, vessel owners can be held liable under the Jones Act and general maritime law for personal injury claims brought by injured maritime workers.
Claims in the Lawsuit
The Plaintiff asserts multiple claims, including:
- Jones Act Negligence – Alleging that his injuries resulted from the negligence of Mike Hooks, LLC, its officers, or crew members.
- Unseaworthiness – Claiming the vessel was unfit for its intended purpose because of unsafe gear, methods, or crew.
- Maintenance and Cure – Seeking ongoing payments for medical expenses and daily living costs while recovering. The lawsuit further alleges that Mike Hooks, LLC wrongfully delayed or denied these payments, entitling the Plaintiff to additional damages and attorneys’ fees.
The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $5 million, including compensation for lost wages, loss of earning capacity, medical expenses, physical pain, disfigurement, mental anguish, and punitive damages.
Understanding Your Rights After a Maritime Injury
Seamen injured in the service of a vessel have important rights under maritime law. The Jones Act provides the ability to recover damages when an employer’s negligence contributes to an injury, while general maritime law ensures a vessel must be seaworthy and safe. Injured seamen are also entitled to maintenance and cure benefits until they reach maximum medical improvement, regardless of fault.
Unfortunately, when companies delay or deny these payments, it can worsen an injured worker’s condition. Knowing your rights is crucial to ensuring you receive the full compensation and medical care you are entitled to under the law.
If you or a loved one has been injured while working aboard a vessel, the maritime injury lawyers at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help. Our maritime attorneys represent seamen and other maritime workers in claims under the Jones Act and general maritime law. Contact us today at 713-804-9306 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation.