Seaman blames non-skid paint after slipping and falling

A seaman has filed a lawsuit against his employer after he slipped on non-skid paint and fell.

David Velasquez filed suit against Gulf Offshore Logistics on Sept. 14 in federal court in New Orleans.

The slip and fall incident occurred on May 9 as Velasquez was working on the M/V Jason. He claims he suffered debilitating injuries to his low back and neck when he fell on the deck because of non-skid paint on the metal covers located on the deck.

Gulf Offshore Logistics is accused of negligence for failing to recognize the dangerous circumstances surrounding the task, failing to properly train the crew and failing to provide functioning equipment and a safe place to work.

Velasquez is seeing general damages for physical and mental pain, suffering, permanent disability and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, loss of wages and wage earning capacity, interest and court costs.

He is represented by Charles C. Bourque Jr., Christopher J. St. Martin, Joseph G. Jevic III and Melanie G. Lagarde of St. Martin & Bourque in Houma.

U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv03055