Horns failed to sound, injured seaman claims

After becoming injured when two vessels collided, a seaman is suing the owners of the vessels arguing the captains should have sounded their horns.

George Hill filed suit against Port Ship Service Inc. and LeBeouf Brothers Towing on Feb. 23 in federal court in New Orleans.

The accident occurred on Nov. 22, 2010 when the vessel Hill was aboard, the M/V Captain Fatty, collided with the M/V Creole Sun.

According to the lawsuit, the M/V Captain Fatty had a claimshell on its bow, which obstructed the view of the captain and affected his ability to navigate the vessel. In addition, the vessel's horn was not working and the M/V Creole Sun did not sound its horn.

The defendants are accused of failing to maintain their vessels in a reasonably safe condition, failing to safeguard the vessels to protect the seaman against the possibility of injury, failing to maintain the vessels' horns in proper working order, failing to discover or correct dangerous conditions, failing to train operators in safety, failing to keep a lookout, failing to prevent a blocked view from wheelhouse, and failing to take steps to avoid a collision.

Hill is seeking damages for physical pain, suffering and discomfort, mental anguish, aggravation and annoyance, disability, medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, punitive damages, interest and court costs.

Hill is represented by Michael Hingle, Bryan Pfleeger and Donald G. D'Aunoy, Jr. of Michael Hingle & Associates in Slidell.

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-00451