A widow is suing her late husband’s employer and its insurance carrier, alleging that the firm’s negligence led to her spouse’s 2015 death.
Crystal Koratko sued Harkand Gulf Services LLC and ABC Insurance Company individually and on behalf of her minor child “CK” in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana on Sept. 3 alleging maritime negligence in August 2015 when Seaman Matthew Koratko perished in an underwater project in connection with his assigned duties.
According to the lawsuit, the deceased was employed by the defendant as a commercial diver and crew member assigned to the service vessel Swiber Quetzal. The suit states that on or about Aug. 19, 2015 while divers were servicing an underwater structure, part of the platform broke free, violently struck Matthew Koratko, pinned him against another structure and caused traumatic injuries resulting in his death.
Koratko’s widow contends her husband experienced fear, pain and suffering before succumbing to his injuries. She also maintains loss of care, love, services, and support as well as medical and funeral expenses.
Crystal Koratko invokes the Death on the High Seas Act, Jones Act and General Maritime Act, charging the defendants with failure to supply proper equipment, tools and manpower, operational planning, supervision and instruction, and an overall safe workplace.
Requesting judgment in an amount deemed appropriate by the court plus attorney’s fees, expenses and costs, the plaintiff is represented by Bobby Delise and Alton J. Hall Jr. of Delise & Hall in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana Case 2:15-cv-04079-HGB-DEK