Clayton
After falling in an open manhole at night, a deckhand is suing his employer for not providing him with a flashlight.
Johnny C. Doll, Jr. filed suit against Boh. Bros. Construction Co. on May 9 in federal court in New Orleans.
The accident occurred on Dec. 21, 2010 while Doll was aboard a barge used by the defendant in construction of the new Interstate 10 over Lake Ponchartrain. Doll states he was walking in a darkened area and fell due to an open manhole on the deck of the barge or some other object which he could not see in the darkness. Doll claims he had requested a flashlight but the request was to no avail.
The defendant is also accused negligence and of having an unseaworthy vessel by not equipping it with flashlights or other illumination so that Doll would not have to walk in darkened areas of the vessel or adjacent barges.
The plaintiff is seeking more than $750,000 in damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, disfigurement, disability, loss of physical function, loss of ability to enjoy life and the ability to pursue happiness, inconvenience, humiliation, embarrassment, maintenance and cure and interest.
Doll is represented by Ben E. Clayton of Clayton Law Firm in Slidell.
U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:11-cv-01090