Platform worker claims injuries after slip on oil

A fire worker has filed a lawsuit against an energy company after he slipped in oil while working on a platform in the Gulf of Mexico.

Henry Dennis filed suit against Fluid Crane and Construction Inc. and Devon Energy Production Co. on Sept. 20 in federal court in New Orleans.

The accident occurred on Jan. 21, as Dennis was working for American Fire and Safety Company as a fire worker. He states he was working on board the production platform Devon Energy No. 21, located in the Gulf of Mexico, when he slipped and fell in oil, which was leaking from broken flanges on the platform.

He claims he injured his head, neck, back, left shoulder, right knee and right leg.

The defendant is accused of negligence for allowing oil from the flanges to leak onto the platform, failing to properly inspect their platform for hazards, failing to furnish a safe place to work, failing to repair the flanges properly and prevent leaking and failing to place caution signs around the flanges.

The plaintiff is seeking more than $1.5 million in damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, permanent disability, emotional stress and strain, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, court costs and interest.

Dennis is represented by New Orleans attorney Darlene M. Jacobs. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv03201