Jones Act lawsuit filed against company after employee injured when towing strap breaks

A Louisiana seaman has filed a Jones Act lawsuit against his employer after he was knocked to the ground when a towing strap snapped.

Claiming his employer is negligent, Steven Roe filed suit against Lafayette Workboat Rentals and M/V The Rock on April 29 in federal court in New Orleans.

The accident occurred around March 2001 as Roe was attempting to untangle a cable and tow strap while onboard the M/V The Rock. He states that during the process, the tow strap snapped, causing the cable to thrust back, knocking him down against the back of the vessel. Roe suffered injuries to his head, shoulder and back.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to properly supervise their crew, train their employees, provide adequate safety equipment and for failing to safely operate their vessel.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for physical pain, physical impairment, mental anguish, loss of earnings, loss of future earning capacity, medical expenses, maintenance and cure benefits, punitive damages, interest, attorney's fees and court costs.

Roe is represented by Robert P. Wynne, Michael E. Pierce and Christopher M. Spain of Arnold & Itkin in Houston. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-01007