Seaman sues for $2.5 million after being knocked down by hydraulic hose

A seaman is suing for $2.5 million after a hydraulic hose blew and knocked him down.

Eric Wilson filed suit against M/V B911, Gulf Intracoastal Contractors, Kiewit Inc., Traylor Brothers Inc., Centaur, Associated Terminals Inc., International Construction Equipment Inc. Harrison Cook (crane operator), ABC Insurance Co., DEF Insurance Co., GHI Insurance CO., JKL Insurance Co., MNO Insurance Co. and PQR Insurance Co. on Sept. 29 in federal court in New Orleans.

The accident occurred on Sept. 29, 2009 as Wilson was replacing a hydraulic hose on a crane vibrator of the M/V B911. Wilson states the hydraulic hose blew, throwing him to the deck of the barge.

The defendants are accused of negligence in breaching a legally imposed duty of care, failing to provide a reasonably safe work place, failing to take any means or precautions for safety of employees or other aboard the vessel, failing to provide an adequate amount of employees and equipment to perform the necessary tasks and failing to supervise employees. Further, the defendants are accused of reckless disregard of Coast Guard and OSHA regulations designed for the protection of employees, issuing negligent orders and instructions, failing to maintain safe equipment in violation of regulations and failing to provide a licensed and properly trained crane operator.

Wilson is seeking more than $2.5 million in damages for medical expenses, physical disabling injuries, mental and physical damages, pain and suffering, loss of earnings, loss of consortium, interest, maintenance and cure, attorney fees, court costs and punitive damages.

Wilson is represented by Gretna attorney James E. Shields, Jr. A jury trial is requested.

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

Case No. 2:10cv03320