Seaman sues after falling off of boat

A seaman has filed a lawsuit against his employer seeking $1.5 million after he slipped off a boat and fell into the water.

Jeremy Madison filed suit against Hercules Drilling Co. on March 23 in federal court in New Orleans.

According to court documents, Madison was injured on July 25, 2010, when he slipped and fell off of the Liftboat Talapia, landing in the water. Madison states he has been ordered by the captain of the vessel to exit onto the dock in order to strap an oil drum to the vessel's crane.

The defendant is accused of failing to provide a proper gangway to crewmembers so that they may transfer from one vessel to another vessel or dock. Madison also states the distance he was required to traverse between the vessel and the dock was too wide to safely cross. He suffered injuries to his neck and back, he claims.

Madison is seeking more than $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, maintenance and cure, penalties, attorney's fees, punitive damages, court costs and interest.

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

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-00639