Captain sues employer for leg injury aboard vessel

A Cameron County, Texas, man brought a lawsuit against three businesses over allegations related to a 2014 workplace accident.

Sidney Mock filed a complaint against REC Marine Logistics of Cut Off; REC Boats LLC of Luling; and Allied Shipyard Inc. of Larose, all in Louisiana, on April 16 in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana, citing negligence in a February 2014 injury.

Mock was employed as captain of the vessel Jacob Gerald by REC Marine Logistics. According to the lawsuit, the vessel was operated by REC Marine, owned by REC Boats, and furnished with electric power by Allied Shipyard.

While the vessel was docked in Larose on or about Feb. 16, 2014, the lawsuit states, electricity was shut off when the plaintiff was working in the engine room. The plaintiff allegedly struck his leg on a piece of iron in the resulting darkness. Initially diagnosed as strain to his right knee, the injury was discovered to be a torn meniscus and ACL, and the plaintiff underwent surgery in summer 2014.

The complaint cites that REC Marine Logistics and REC Boats were in breach of duty to provide the plaintiff with a safe and seaworthy vessel, remiss in its failure to warn Mock of a power shut-off, visibly mark the equipment, provide adequate lighting, maintain the vessel in a reasonable state of repair, provide uninterrupted power and provide capable staff.

Alleging negligence, the plaintiff claims the loss of wages, benefits and ability to work, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. He seeks compensatory damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney’s fees, expenses and costs. Mock is represented by Michael Shelton of the Shelton Law Firm in Houston.

U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana case no. 2:15-cv-01214-NJB-KWR.