Gordon
A seaman has filed a lawsuit against his employer after an impact with another barge caused a refrigerator to fall on him.
Steven Edward Cook filed suit against Bayou Tugs Inc. on Jan. 19 in federal court in New Orleans.
According to the lawsuit, cook was working as a seaman on the M/V Marie M. Morgan when the accident occurred. Cook states that the barge he was working on was hit by another barge, causing a refrigerator to fall against him. He injured his right knee as he was pinned against the cabinet countertop and the refrigerator, the suit claims.
Cook alleges that a co-worker that was directing the other barge was under the influence of an illegal drug.
The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to maintain a reasonably safe work place, failing to properly train and supervise its employees, failing to warn employees of an impending collision, requiring the crew to work while fatigued, failing to have a maintenance policy and install a lock to keep the refrigerator in place and for failing to drug test all employees.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, physical disfigurement, lost earnings, maintenance and cure, interest, court costs and attorney's fees.
Cook is represented by Steve Gordon of Gordon, Elias & Seely in Houston.
U.S. District Judge A. J. McNamara is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:11-cv-00112