#United States #Polaris #Houston #Arnold & Itkin #Glenn Seals

Arnold & Itkin Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Following Offshore Electrocution Incident

In a significant development in maritime law, Arnold & Itkin LLP has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Harris County, Texas, for the family of Glenn Seals Sr., a seaman who tragically lost his life due to electrocution while serving aboard the offshore vessel POLARIS. The lawsuit addresses severe safety inadequacies that allegedly led to Seals' untimely death.

Incident Overview

On June 2, 2025, Glenn Seals was engaged in his duties aboard the POLARIS when he suffered fatal injuries while the vessel was operational. According to the lawsuit, owned by Tidewater, Inc., along with its affiliates, there were multiple failures in providing a safe working environment. The defendants are accused of neglecting to ensure adequate training, proper supervision, and safe equipment for their crew.

The complaint particularly emphasizes that there was a blatant disregard for adhering to established safety regulations set forth by the Coast Guard, OSHA, and BSEE. Notably, it points to an alarming lack of emergency response protocols and medical support onboard the vessel at the time of the incident, which may have contributed to Seals' death.

Legal Claims and Family Impact

Arnold & Itkin's legal action asserts several claims under the Jones Act, general maritime law, and Texas wrongful death statutes. It highlights disturbing aspects concerning the pre-death suffering endured by Seals, including physical pain and emotional distress prior to his demise. The lawsuit underscores the profound emotional and financial toll that this tragedy has taken on his family, which includes a minor child.

The Seals family is seeking damages that cover various aspects, including loss of companionship and support, loss of expected income and inheritance, as well as mental anguish, funeral costs, and other damages allowable under relevant laws. Furthermore, the family is pursuing exemplary damages, citing claims of gross negligence and a conscious disregard for safety standards on the part of the defendants.

A Call for Accountability

The attorneys representing the Seals family have emphasized their intent to demand a jury trial, hoping that this case will shed light on imperative safety concerns that plague the offshore industry. By not holding the defendants accountable, they argue, it would send a dangerous message about the lax safety measures that could jeopardize the well-being of other workers in similar dangerous conditions.

About Arnold & Itkin LLP

Arnold & Itkin LLP is a distinguished maritime law firm based in Houston that has built a reputation for advocating for offshore and longshore workers following catastrophic accidents. They have successfully recovered over $20 billion in verdicts and settlements for their clients and have represented maritime workers in some of the most notorious marine disasters, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

This latest case stands as a stark reminder of the hazardous conditions that some maritime workers face and underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous safety protocols to protect those who put their lives on the line at sea.