Camel
A seaman has filed a lawsuit against BP after he was thrown overboard while participating in a man overboard training drill.
James G. Young, II filed suit against BP Exploration & Production Inc. and Danos & Curole Marine Contractors on March 25 in Lafourche Parish District Court. The defendants removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on April 28.
Young was employed as a marine operation technician aboard the Thunder Horse PDQ and was assigned to a fleet of vessels including 60 to 80 passenger lifeboats and a fast response craft. On April 3, 2010, Young was participating in a man overboard training drill while aboard the fast response craft. According to the lawsuit, the craft was only designed to hold three people but on the day of the accident, four members of the marine department were aboard. Young states he was required to stand in the vessel and hold onto a railing attached to the center console. During the drill, the vessel was turned into a wave and the vessel was struck by a wave, throwing Young overboard. Young states he injured his right shoulder during the accident.
The defendants are accused of negligence for operating the FRC in an unreasonably dangerous manner, failing to operate it in accordance with manufacturer requirements and industry standards, failing to maintain control, failing to properly train their employees to conduct operations in a safe manner, failing to provide Young with a safe work environment and for violations of the U.S. Coast Guard regulations and OSHA regulations.
Young is seeking damages for physical pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, loss of economic opportunity, medical expenses, vocational and physical rehabilitation, court costs and interest.
The plaintiff is represented by Kevin L. Camel of Cox Cox Filo Camel & Wilson in Lake Charles.
U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:11-cv-01003