Seaman sues after being thrown into water

A Louisiana seaman files a lawsuit against his employer after he was thrown into the water during rough seas.

John Lingo filed suit against Good Streak Marine Inc. on Oct. 7 in federal court in New Orleans.

The incident occurred on Sept. 16 while Lingo was assigned to re-secure the skiff moored to the vessel Discovery in rough sea conditions. Lingo states he was without proper equipment and assistance which caused him to be thrown into the water and hit by the skiff he was attempting to secure. Lingo states he sustained disabling injuries to his back.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to provide competent supervision, ordering Lingo to perform an unsafe task,
failing to use safer methods to secure the skiff and failing to provide competent supervision to complete the task. Lingo argues the vessel was unseaworthy due to having incompetent supervision, having an insufficient crew to perform the work and failing to secure the skiff with two mooring lines.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, medical expenses, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, attorney's fees, penalties, interest and maintenance and cure.

Lingo is represented by Stephen P. Bruno of Bruno & Bruno in New Orleans. Jury trial is requested.

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

Case No. 2:10-cv-03374