Trial Magazine

Linez Green, 30, was a crew member on an offshore supply vessel owned and operated by Kilgore Marine, LLC and Kilgore Offshore, Inc. While Green was being transferred to a jackup drilling rig owned and operated by Enterprise Offshore Drilling, LLC, an Enterprise crane operator swung the personnel basket on which Green was riding into a fixed object. Green, who was standing on a wet surface, fell approximately six feet from the basket to the deck below. He suffered lumbar and cervical disk herniations, resulting in pain and headaches and an inability to provide child care for his minor daughter.

Green filed suit against Kilgore Marine, alleging negligence under the Jones Act and under general maritime law; and Enterprise Offshore Drilling, alleging negligence under general maritime law. Suit claimed that the defendants had violated their own safety policies and procedures, including those related to crane operation precautions.

The court awarded $60 million, finding the defendants jointly and severally liable.

Citation: Green v. Kilgore Marine, LLC, No. 2022-44014 (Tex. Dist. Ct. Harris Cnty. May 1, 2024).

Plaintiff Counsel: Marcus Spagnoletti and Eric Rhine, both of Houston.