Companies sued for not complying with their own safety manuals

After falling off of a stack of drill casings, a seaman has filed a lawsuit against his employer, claiming the company failed to comply with its own safety manual.

Gregory Powell filed suit against Pride Offshore Inc., Pride International Inc. Co., Ensco Offshore Co., Hercules Drilling Co. and Aspen Insurance Holdings Inc. on March 23 in federal court in New Orleans.

Powell claims he was injured on March 9, 2009 as he was working as a seaman and crew member on board a vessel owed by Pride International. He states he was climbing down a stack of drill casings when he slipped on grease and fell backward onto the deck.

The defendants are accused of failing to comply with their safety manual which requires a ladder to be provided for the climbing on and off of stacks of drill casings. The defendants are also accused of failing to provide a seaworthy vessel, failing to provide a properly equipped vessel, failing to adequately train their employees as to safe operation procedures and failing to provide a safe place to work.

The plaintiff is seeking $1.5 million in damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, disability, emotional stress and strain, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, court costs, interest, maintenance and cure, penalties and attorney's fees.

Powell is represented by New Orleans attorney John L. Young.

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

Case No. 2:11-cv-00640