Worker alleges vessel operator's negligence caused injury from exposed electrical outlet

By Carrie Bradon | Sep 11, 2019

HOUSTON — A Louisiana man is suing the operator of a vessel, alleging he was impaled on an exposed electrical outlet.

Terrance Cole of Houma, Louisiana filed a complaint Aug. 21 in Harris County District Court against Mike Hooks LLC, alleging negligence.

According to the complaint, on Oct. 10, 2018, Cole was performing his duties on the vessel Wisconsin, which was owned and maintained by the defendant. The plaintiff said he sustained severe injuries to his left arm and back when he tripped over a cable across a stairway and fell, impaling his arm on an exposed electrical outlet on the handrail of the stairs.

The plaintiff alleges Mike Hooks LLC failed to properly supervise the crew or provide Cole with a reasonably safe place to work.

Cole seeks more than $100,000 in monetary relief, attorney fees, court costs, interest and all just relief. He is represented by attorneys Marcus R. Spagnoletti and Eric J. Rhine of Spagnoletti Law Firm in Houston.

Harris County District Court case number 2019-58400