Jones Act Suit Filed Against Hercules Offshore

Attorneys Kurt Arnold, Kyle Findley, and another attorney from Arnold & Itkin recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of an injured seaman. The suit is being filed against the man's employer, Hercules Offshore, for an accident in which he severely injured his shoulder. He was working on a jackup rig, assisting in drilling operations, when his co-worker knocked him down. The impact of the fall caused his shoulder to dislocate, causing severe nerve damage in the affected area. This suit is pending in Harris County, Texas.

Since this man was a Jones Act worker, our firm has to start on the basis of proving his seaman status and the status of the vessel he was working on. The man was indeed contributing to the operation of the vessel at the time and the jackup rig was placed in navigable waters at the time the incident occurred, making the man entitled to all of his Jones Act benefits that apply. Due to factors contributing to the accident, the man is claiming both negligence and gross negligence against his employer.

There are a number of things that should not have happened in this situation. For example, there was a noted failure to properly train the employees and a lack of necessary supervision at the time. This alone could have prevented the injury. On top of this, there was also a failure to properly secure and maintain the equipment that was on the jackup rig. Failure to maintain a vessel definitely warrants a lawsuit against the company. Arnold & Itkin LLP is proud to fight for the rights of injured offshore workers like this man. If you were injured as a Jones Act worker, or as another maritime employee, then contact us today!