Seaman sues for not having adequate assistance removing oil-soaked boom

A Louisiana seaman has filed a lawsuit against his employer after injuring his knee while attempting to move an oil-soaked boom and its anchoring device.

Claiming he was not provided adequate assistance, training or supervision, Ryan Robinson filed suit against Tamara's Group on Sept. 26 in federal court in New Orleans.

Robinson states he was seriously injured on June 25 as he was performing his duties as a seaman for the defendant. According to the lawsuit, he was sent to a barrier island to remove some oil-soaked materials and in the process he seriously injured his knee and leg.

The defendant is accused of negligence of for allegedly violating numerous statutes and regulations including those issued by OSHA and the United States Coast Guard, for failing to provide adequate equipment aboard the vessel, ordering Robinson to work in unsafe conditions and ordering him to perform work that posed a danger to his physical well-being.

Robinson is seeking damages for maintenance and cure, physical pain and suffering, mental pain, suffering and anguish, medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, loss of fringe benefits, disfigurement and disability, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of personal property and personal belongs, interest, attorney's fees and court costs.

He is represented by New Orleans attorney Alaraby Johnson.

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

Case No. 2:10cv03287