Galloway achieved a favorable resolution in a Jones Act personal injury case involving a maritime staffing employer. Trent Wallis led the Firm’s strategic efforts which resulted in the plaintiff voluntarily dismissing the claims against our client in Harris County District Court, reflecting our strategic advocacy and commitment to protecting maritime businesses.
Maritime Case Background
As a marine staffing employer, Galloway’s client staffed the plaintiff to work aboard a vessel engaged in offshore work in the Gulf. After suffering an injury while working aboard the vessel, the plaintiff filed suit against Galloway’s client and asserted Jones Act negligence, as well as general maritime law claims for maintenance and cure.
Shortly thereafter, the co-defendant vessel operator filed crossclaims against Galloway’s client for defense and indemnity purportedly arising under the contract entered into between the parties. After Galloway filed summary judgment arguing that the defense and indemnity provisions of the contract were clearly invalid and unenforceable under Texas law, the vessel operator voluntarily elected to non-suit its crossclaim against Galloway’s client.
After litigious motion practice and extensive discovery regarding the nature of the plaintiff’s Jones Act negligence claims against Galloway’s client, Galloway then secured summary judgment on the grounds that the evidence conclusively established its borrowed servant defense as required under the general maritime law.
Following the order granting Galloway’s summary judgment, Galloway worked aggressively to continue to position the case for favorable resolution on the plaintiff’s remaining claims. As such, the plaintiff ultimately elected to dismiss its remaining general maritime law claims against the maritime staffing employer, eliminating exposure and expense for our client.
Trent Wallis’ aggressive and tailored approach to the litigation drove the favorable outcome for Galloway’s client.
Jones Act Defense and Admiralty Litigation
With decades of experience and positive results, Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith handles Jones Act defense, maritime injury litigation, and admiralty disputes for marine companies, vessel interests, and offshore contractors in Texas, and across the Gulf Coast. Our maritime attorneys understand the specialized and highly regulated industry and its legal issues, employing their experience to efficiently advise clients on complex matters. Galloway’s maritime practice group is Chambers-ranked, supporting its leadership in maritime law and earned reputation for admiralty law knowledge.
Trent Wallis represents vessel owners, marine terminal operators, stevedores, and corporate clients facing high-exposure claims. He is a leading member of Galloway’s Emergency Response Team in Texas, frequently providing rapid response to maritime, drilling, and industrial incidents to support clients in developing thorough and thoughtful responses. Clients value Trent’s efficient, well-reasoned counsel and tailored strategies that protect their business operations.
With another favorable result in Texas, Galloway continues to display its maritime experience, expertise, and dedication to successful client partnerships.
