Shrimp boaters sue after vessel hits pilings, throws them into water

Occupants of a shrimp boat claim they were tossed from their vessel after it became entangled in pipe and underwater pilings in the Bay Sainte Elaine Gas and Oil Field last year.

Kenneth Theriot, Linda Theriot, Terry Hebert and Lisa Hebert are suing Conoco Oil and Gas Associates LP, Conoco Mid-Continent Properties Inc. and The Louisiana Land and Exploration Co.

The case was filed March 5 in the 32nd Judicial District Court for the Parish of Terrebonne. Defendants removed the case to the New Orleans federal court on April 9.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs were shrimping during the beginning of the 2009 May season when Theriot's boat became tangled in piping, damaging his netting and boat. When the nets became tangled in the underwater objects, the boat shifted throwing Theriot and Herbert from the boat, injuring them, the suit claims.

The plaintiffs claim the defendants owned the mineral rights and had production sites on the property and over the years failed to remove all the foreign objects or properly mark them to avoid this type of accident.

The lawsuit is seeking damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, property damage, humiliation, embarrassment, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life, interest and court costs.

Donaldsonville attorneys Marvin Gros and Jeffrey Heggelund are representing the plaintiffs.

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey is assigned to the case.

Case No 2:10cv01084