Federal Court Denies Dismissal of Maritime Negligence Claims Against Pipeline Contractor for Alleged Oyster Lease Damage in Galveston Bay

Oyster lease owners in Galveston Bay survived a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss their maritime negligence and trespass claims against Florida Gas Transmission Company and its contractor Sunland Construction, alleging pipeline repair operations deposited sediment and spoil materials that damaged oyster beds and reefs. The Southern District of Texas found the complaint provided sufficient fair notice despite defendants' arguments that allegations lacked specificity regarding which vessels and dates caused the alleged damage.