Seaman sues for $2 million after falling on stairs

A seaman is suing for $2 million after he fell on a vessel's stairway and sustained injuries.

Kentrell Wright filed suit against Cross Logistics Inc. and Cross Group Inc. on Sept. 30 in federal court in New Orleans.

The incident occurred on Oct. 12, 2009 as Wright was working as a rigger for defendant Cross Logistics Inc. on the vessel D/B Crossmar 14. He states he was using the vessel's stairway when a metal plate on the stair tread came loose and gave way causing him to fall.

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

He is represented by Berney Strauss and Rhett King of Strauss & King in New Orleans and Edward J. Womac, Jr., Jason F. Giles and Brian King of Edward J. Womac & Associates in New Orleans. Jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv03325