Seaman sues for $2 million after being forced to work through Hurricane Ike

A seaman has filed a lawsuit after he allegedly suffered injuries while working on a vessel during Hurricane Ike.

Mitchell Keith Dedmon filed suit against Cenac Towing Co. on Sept. 2 in federal court in New Orleans.

Dedmon was employed as a tanker man and member of the crew of the Walter Cenac. The alleged incident occurred Sept. 12, 2008 as the vessel was ordered to stand by with its tow in the Sabine Pass, despite Hurricane Ike bearing down on the area. Dedmon states he was ordered to secure the tow during the intensity of the storm and, while doing so, injured his back and spine.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to provide Dedmon with a safe place to work, failing to adequately plan the operation and failing to provide adequate manning for the tasks.

Dedmon is asking for more than $2 million in damages for loss of
wages and benefits, maintenance and cure, impairment of future earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional pain and suffering, medical expenses, permanent disability, loss of enjoyment of life, interest and court costs.

Dedmon is represented by Berney L. Strauss and Rhett E. King of Strauss & King in New Orleans.

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv02912