Steele
A deckhand has filed a lawsuit against his employer after the vessel he was working aboard collided with a barge, causing him to be thrown overboard.
Earrick Wallace filed suit against Archer Daniels Midland Co. and the M/V Legend on Jan. 21 in federal court in New Orleans.
The incident occurred on June 16, 2010 as Wallace was working as a deckhand on the M/V Legend. He claims the vessel was attempting to pull a barge from its slip in the Sara Fleet dockyard when its captain collided into the barge.
According to the lawsuit, Wallace was thrown overboard and was forced to swim underneath the vessel. Wallace claims he nearly came into contact with the propellers.
He accuses the captain of being intoxicated or operating the vessel in an impaired condition.
Wallace is seeking damages for physical pain and suffering, mental pain, medical expenses, lost wages, lost found, loss of earning capacity, loss of fringe benefits, disfigurement and disability, loss of enjoyment of life, interest, attorney's fees and court costs.
He is represented by Gretna attorney Ronna M. Steele.
U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:11-cv-00138