Seaman sues after slipping while climbing stairs

A Florida seaman has filed a lawsuit claiming the vessel he was working aboard is unseaworthy, after he slipped and fell while climbing stairs.

David Borders filed suit against Abdon Callais Offshore Aug. 17 in federal court in New Orleans.

Borders states the alleged incident occurred May 20, as he was climbing the stairs aboard the M/V ACO Relentless. He claims he slipped and fell hard onto his left knee.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to discover and correct all unsafe conditions, failing to warn or provide competent and adequate supervisory authority, failing to provide proper personnel and equipment, failing to maintain equipment and provide a safe place to work, hiring untrained and unskilled co-employees and retaining unskilled and careless employees.

Abdon Callais is also accused of failing to provide prompt and adequate medical care, treatment, maintenance and cure.

Borders is seeking damages for medical expenses, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment and diminished quality of life, disability, maintenance and cure, interest, court costs and attorney fees.

Borders is represented by Lawrence Blake Jones, David C. Whitmore and Stephen F. Armbruster of Scheuermann and Jones of New Orleans.

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv02763