Doyle LLP has been retained to bring a maritime injury claim, under general United States admiralty law on behalf of a worker who was injured during a catastrophic vessel collision in the Houston Ship Channel. The claim against is against FPG SHIPHOLDING PANAMA 47 S.A., SHIP NO. 138 CO. LTD., SHIP NO. 139 CO. LTD., GENESIS RIVER SHIPPING, S.A., AND “K” LINE ENERGY SHIP MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. These companies are the owner or owner pro hac vice of the VLGC Genesis River vessel which caused the catastrophic collision. These involved parties operate throughout the world’s waterways with this specific incident happening in the Houston Ship Channel near Houston, Texas. Doyle LLP’s client is a citizen living in Louisiana who has spent his career in the maritime industry.
The claim brought under the Jones Act and general United States maritime law is based upon the negligence of the defendants which was the proximate cause of the maritime collision. The claim is also based upon the negligence of the employees, officers and crew of the defendants and their vessel the VLGC Genesis River. At the time of the incident, Doyle LLP’s client was employed as a Captain for his employer’s Gulf Coast operations. On May 10, 2019 Doyle LLP’s client was serving as a member of the crew for employer’s vessel the M/V Voyager as it pushed barges through the Houston Ship Channel. The VLGC Genesis River was also operating in the Houston Ship Channel on the day when it unexpectedly altered its course within the Houston Ship Channel, crossed the channel, and placed itself on a collision course with the M/V Voyager and its two barges. As a result, the Pilot of the Genesis River demanded that the Captain of the M/V Voyager cross towards the green side of the channel in an effort to avoid the collision. Thereafter, the Genesis River unexpectedly altered course again and placed the Genesis River on a collision course with the M/V Voyager once again. Unfortunately, this evasive maneuver was not successful and the Genesis River violently collided with the barge 30015T sufficient to penetrate beyond the double hull of the vessel and cause barge MMI3041 to capsize. Doyle LLP’s client suffered the impact of the collision and severe emotional trauma, including diagnosis and continued treatment for PTSD, as a result of the wrongful conduct of the Genesis River and its crew, by and through defendants were its owners and operators.
As a result of this catastrophic incident, Doyle LLP’s client suffered severe emotional impact ultimately leading to a diagnosis and continued treatment for PTSD. The disastrous collision narrowly avoided a large loss of life due to the hazardous and flammable material transported in the barges. Doyle LLP’s client along with other members of the M/V Voyager faced a life-threatening collision which they attempted to avoid with great effort. Ultimately even with their proactive efforts they collided with the out-of-control Genesis River. The crew of the M/V Voyager knew the danger of an impact for their cargo and were put in a situation where their life was in peril. Furthermore, further dangers from the collision faced the crew as they fought for survival of their lives and the vessel from destruction or sinking. During this accident Doyle LLP’s client suffered horrific trauma from the serious threat to his life and others. This life-threatening collision and associated trauma were caused directly by the negligence of the defendants. Defendants were responsible for the dangerous and unseaworthy conditions of its vessel. The dangerous and defective condition of the vessel violated general United States Maritime law and unfortunately caused great permanent harm to Doyle LLP’s client. Doyle LLP’s client because of the nature and severity of the injuries has required medical treatment and in reasonable probability will require additional medical treatment in the future. Doyle LLP’s client also has suffered great damage to their promising career and they continue to fight resume work. Under United States maritime law, this injured seaman will be entitled to seek lost wages, lost future earning capacity, past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish and other damages.
Maritime workers understand the very serious dangers they face operating on various waterways throughout the world. They take great care and pride in their abilities to operate and navigate safely. In this incidence, the negligence of defendants took the ability to navigate safely away from the crew of the M/V Voyager. When other vessels are out of control and unseaworthy it puts all other vessels, it encounters in serious danger too. The negligence of the defendants directly caused this accident and permanently impacted Doyle LLP’s client. As such Doyle LLP is proud to help our client fight for the damages he is owed after the catastrophic accident and resulting trauma. The firm’s decades long success in trial judgements and settlements shows our proven track record of working on behalf of those in the maritime industry.
If you would like to understand your rights protected by admiralty law, following a maritime injury, the attorneys at Doyle LLP can assist in providing a free evaluation of your claim, based upon years of experience and success. Call us to discuss your claim and help you fight for what you legally deserve.
