Oil spill response worker sues for $2 million after trip and fall

An oil spill response worker has filed a lawsuit asking for more than $2 million after he alegedly tripped and fell while working on a vessel.

Justin Bush filed suit against K&K Offshore on Aug. 27 in federal court in New Orleans.

Bush was a deckhand on the M/V Gulf Influence which was controlled and operated by the defendant.

The alleged incident occurred on July 13 during the oil spill clean-up effort in the Gulf of Mexico. Bush states he was servicing the vessel when he tripped and fell on the ship's back deck.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to provide Bush with a safe place to work and failing to provide sufficient lighting for Bush to safely perform his duties.

Bush also claims the M/V Gulf Influence was unseaworthy and caused the fall.

He is seeking more than $2 million in damages for loss of wages and benefits, impaired earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, interest and court costs.

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

U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv02851