The carts had been removed
Curt maintained and repaired high-voltage electrical systems offshore. The work included handling inverters weighing more than 200 pounds. His supervisors had removed the breaker carts used to transport the equipment, leaving workers to move the inverters manually through stairways, doorways, and confined spaces.
In September 2017, Curt felt a sharp pain shoot through his right leg as he set down an inverter. He informed his supervisors. No incident report was completed and he did not receive meaningful medical care at that point.
A second incident high above the deck
In February 2018, Curt was changing navigation lights from a crane basket approximately 20 to 30 feet above the deck. He had previously requested a change to LED lights, which he considered safer and more efficient. Management rejected the request because of cost.
During the work, the crane's main cable and safety cable became entangled. The basket shook violently and Curt was repeatedly thrown against the crane mast. The crew had not used the tag line intended to stabilize the basket.
Working while the pain worsened
Curt continued working for months despite substantial pain. He was concerned about losing his job and being unable to support his family, and he feared being excluded from future offshore work.
When he eventually sought medical attention, doctors identified a severely torn spinal disc. His symptoms had persisted while he continued the physically demanding work.
Investigating the employer's safety practices
Brian Beckcom filed a Jones Act lawsuit against Curt's employer. Brian’s investigation examined the working conditions surrounding the two incidents and the company's broader approach to training and safety.
Brian and his team uncovered evidence that required safety meetings were routinely skipped, attendance logs were improperly signed, and examinations were manipulated so workers passed without meaningful training.
The case resolved for $1 million
The litigation ended in a $1 million settlement. The resolution compensated Curt for his claims and concluded the lawsuit.
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