On April 19, 2024, a lawsuit was filed in the District Court of Harris County, Texas by plaintiff Justin Moak against defendants Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company (GLDD) and Marline Marine, LLC. The case, identified as 2024-25519 / Court: 165, alleges negligence and violation of the Jones Act.
The plaintiff, an American Seaman, was employed by GLDD. On February 14th, he was assigned to retrieve a lifeboat without assistance at Marline Marine's facility. This resulted in injuries for which he is seeking damages exceeding $10 million. The defendant companies are based in Harris County and Rockport Texas respectively.
Moak accuses GLDD of negligence under the Jones Act and general maritime law. He alleges that the company failed to provide proper training or equipment for his task. Additionally, he claims that the vessel and crew were unseaworthy which also contributed to his injuries.
In addition to negligence claims, Moak seeks maintenance and cure - compensation for medical care or convalescence from his injuries. He alleges that GLDD has failed to provide this support willfully and wantonly. The plaintiff also demands reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.