Jones Act Lawsuit Filed Against Enterprise Marine Services for Tankerman Injury on San Jacinto River
Protecting the Rights of Injured Maritime Workers
Doyle Dennis Avery LLP has filed a lawsuit in Harris County, Texas against Enterprise Marine Services LLC, Enterprise Products Company, Enterprise Products Partners L.P., Enterprise Products Operating LLC, and Enterprise Products Holdings LLC. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Jones Act, general maritime law, and the vessel owner’s duty to provide a seaworthy vessel after a tankerman was seriously injured aboard the M/V Norman on the San Jacinto River near Houston, Texas.
Background of the Maritime Injury Case
On March 14, 2025, our client was working as a tankerman aboard Enterprise Marine’s vessel, the M/V Norman, on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River near Houston. Enterprise Marine’s pilot assigned our client to climb a step ladder to clean the wheelhouse windows while the vessel was underway, in darkness, and during light rain.
Despite these hazardous conditions, Enterprise Marine failed to provide adequate safety equipment, including fall protection gear, and did not assign another crewmember to assist with this dangerous task. As a direct result of Enterprise Marine’s negligence and unseaworthy vessel conditions, our client fell from the ladder and sustained serious injuries to her lumbar spine, left hip, left shoulder, and body.
Jones Act Negligence Allegations
The lawsuit alleges multiple failures by Enterprise Marine that constitute Jones Act negligence:
Unsafe Work Assignment in Hazardous Conditions
Enterprise Marine assigned window cleaning duties while the vessel was underway, in darkness, and during precipitation—creating slippery surfaces and reduced visibility. This demonstrates reckless disregard for crew safety.
Failure to Provide Adequate Safety Equipment
Enterprise Marine provided an unsafe step ladder inappropriate for the task and failed to provide fall protection equipment such as safety harnesses or lifelines. This failure to provide basic safety equipment constitutes clear negligence under the Jones Act.
Insufficient Crew Assistance
Our client performed this hazardous task alone without assistance from another crewmember. Maritime industry standards require that tasks involving working at heights, especially under adverse conditions, be performed with assistance to ensure safety.
Inadequate Supervision and Training
Enterprise Marine failed to properly supervise crew operations and did not provide adequate safety training. Proper supervision would have recognized the dangerous conditions and either postponed the task or ensured proper safety measures were in place.
Improper Vessel Manning
Enterprise Marine failed to properly man the M/V Norman with sufficient crew members to safely perform operations. When vessels are undermanned, crew members must perform tasks alone that should involve multiple people, creating dangerous working conditions.
Unseaworthiness Claims Under General Maritime Law
Beyond Jones Act negligence, the lawsuit asserts Enterprise Marine failed to provide a seaworthy vessel, violating general maritime law principles.
The Vessel Owner’s Duty
Under general maritime law, vessel owners have an absolute duty to provide seamen with a seaworthy vessel. Unlike Jones Act claims requiring proof of negligence, unseaworthiness is strict liability—the vessel owner can be held liable by proving the unseaworthy condition existed and caused the injury.
Unseaworthy Conditions Aboard the M/V Norman
The lawsuit alleges multiple unseaworthy conditions:
- Defective Equipment: The step ladder was not reasonably fit for cleaning wheelhouse windows under the conditions present
- Absence of Fall Protection: The vessel lacked proper fall protection equipment for crew members working at heights
- Insufficient Crew: The vessel operated without adequate crew members to safely perform necessary tasks
- Inadequately Trained Crew: The crew was not properly trained in safe procedures for working at heights
These unseaworthy conditions directly caused our client’s fall and injuries, making Enterprise Marine strictly liable under general maritime law.
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Serious Injuries and Long-Term Impact
Our client sustained multiple serious injuries that have significantly impacted her life:
Lumbar Spine Injuries
Lumbar spine injuries can range from herniated discs to vertebral fractures, often requiring extensive medical treatment including physical therapy, pain management, injections, or surgery. These injuries typically cause chronic pain and may prevent returning to physically demanding maritime work.
Left Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder injuries may include rotator cuff tears, labral tears, dislocations, or fractures. These are particularly debilitating for maritime workers whose jobs require overhead reaching, lifting heavy equipment, and maintaining balance on moving vessels.
Left Hip Injuries
Hip injuries are critical as they affect walking, climbing, balance, and all lower body movements required in maritime work. These injuries are often severely painful and may require surgical repair, potentially leading to long-term mobility limitations.
Career and Life Impact
Maritime work is physically demanding, requiring strength, agility, and the ability to work in challenging conditions. Our client’s injuries may prevent her from returning to her chosen career as a tankerman, resulting in lost earning capacity for the rest of her working life. Additionally, many injured maritime workers experience post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life due to ongoing physical limitations.
Damages Sought in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit seeks full compensation for all damages:
- Past and Future Medical Treatment: All medical expenses including emergency care, specialist consultations, physical therapy, surgery, medications, and future medical care
- Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity: Compensation for wages lost and the difference between what she would have earned over her career and what she can now earn
- Mental Anguish and Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological impact, anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain from injuries, ongoing chronic pain, and permanent pain
- Disfigurement: Additional compensation for any visible scarring or permanent physical changes
- All Other Maritime Law Damages: All damages available under the Jones Act and general maritime law
The Jones Act
The Jones Act is a federal law providing crucial protections for maritime workers injured while performing their duties. Unlike workers' compensation, Jones Act seamen can file personal injury lawsuits against employers for negligence. Injured seamen can recover compensation when employer negligence plays any part, no matter how slight, in causing injuries.
Who Qualifies as a Jones Act Seaman?
Maritime workers must have a substantial connection to a vessel or fleet in navigation, spending at least 30 percent of working time in service to the vessel on navigable waters. Tankermen typically qualify as Jones Act seamen because their work directly contributes to vessel operations.
Maintenance and Cure Benefits
Even before filing a lawsuit, injured seamen are entitled to "maintenance and cure"—a no-fault benefit providing daily living allowances and medical care until reaching maximum medical improvement. Employers who unreasonably deny or delay these benefits can face additional penalties.
Protection Against Retaliation
It is illegal for maritime employers to retaliate against seamen who file injury claims or assert legal rights. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, or other adverse employment actions.
If injured while working aboard a vessel, take these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Report Your Injury Immediately: Notify the vessel's master or supervisor as soon as possible and ensure the incident is properly documented
- Seek Medical Attention: Get medical care right away, even if injuries seem minor
- Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, equipment involved, and visible injuries
- Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Advice: Consult with an experienced Jones Act attorney before signing any documents
- Contact an Experienced Maritime Injury Lawyer: Time limits apply to maritime injury claims, and evidence can disappear quickly
If you've experienced maritime injury or lost a loved one due to offshore workplace negligence, the experienced team at Doyle Dennis Avery LLP is here to help:
- Free Consultation: Discuss your situation with knowledgeable maritime injury lawyers at no cost
- Case Evaluation: Receive an honest assessment of your legal options
- Comprehensive Representation: Work with attorneys who understand the unique aspects of maritime law
- Contingency Fee Structure: Pay legal fees only if we secure compensation for you
Our firm's extensive experience with maritime injury and wrongful death cases positions us to effectively advocate for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jones Act Claims
The Jones Act is a federal law that protects maritime workers who qualify as “seamen.” To qualify, you must work aboard a vessel in navigation and spend at least 30 percent of your working time contributing to the vessel’s mission on navigable waters. The Jones Act allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence, providing rights beyond traditional workers’ compensation.
Unlike workers’ compensation, which provides limited benefits regardless of fault, Jones Act claims allow you to sue your employer for negligence and recover full damages including pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, and all medical expenses. The Jones Act also has a lower burden of proof—your employer’s negligence only needs to contribute “in the slightest degree” to your injury.
