LOUISIANA RECORD

A crewmember filed a lawsuit against his employer accusing his employer of having too harsh of a work schedule.

Arguing the work schedule contributed to personal injuries, James Russell Bryant filed suit against Couvillion Group on Nov. 2 in federal court in New Orleans.

According to the lawsuit, Bryant suffered severe and permanent injuries to his tibia and ankle when he caught his boot on a board underneath a tool box aboard the vessel Poul Deau on Sept. 11.

He accuses the defendant of failing to maintain a reasonably safe work place, failing to properly install the toolbox, of negligently installing the toolbox with a piece of wood underneath it that was not flush with the edge of the toolbox and for failing to train and supervise its employees.

Further, Bryant argues the vessel was unseaworthy due to inadequate training of the crew, inadequate number of crewman assigned to load supplies onto the vessel, a harsh work schedule that resulted in a fatigued crew, improperly installed toolbox and for the absence of a clear path across the mid-bow of the vessel.

Bryant is seeking damages for maintenance and cure, medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, physical disfigurement, lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, punitive damages, interest, and court costs.

He is represented by Steven J. Gordon of Gordon, Elias & Seely in Houston. A jury trial is requested.

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

Case No. 2:10-cv-04173