Seaman seeks $4 million after falling through broken railing

A Slidell resident has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $4 million after allegedly falling through a broken railing on board the M/V Admiral.

Claiming the vessel was unseaworthy, Benjamin Guillot filed suit against Crowley Maritime Corp. and Crowley Marine Services Inc. on Aug. 24 in federal court in New Orleans.

Guillot was employed by the defendants as a mate. The alleged incident occurred on March 12, 2010, when Guillot was using a railing aboard the vessel. He states the railing broke, causing him to fall and injure his back, neck, spine and mind.

The defendants are accused of negligence for failing to furnish a safe place to work and for the unseaworthy condition of the M/V Admiral.

Guillot also claims the defendants are responsible for his medical management service attempting to place him at maximum medical improvement, to perform daily tasks against medical advice and improperly limiting his treatment.

Guillot is seeking $4 million in damages for mental and physical pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, maintenance and cure, interest, attorney fees, court costs and punitive damages.

Guillot is represented by Thomas M. Discon of Discon Law Firm in Mandeville and Robert K. Lansden of Ponchatoula.

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

Case No. 2:10cv02815