Seaman files lawsuit after falling off of pickup truck into water

After falling off of a pickup truck's tailgate, seaman Perry Rousse filed suit against H&S Towing Inc. on June 8 in federal court in New Orleans.

The alleged incident occurred on Nov. 17, 2010, as Rousse was ordered by the captain of his vessel, the M/V Katie Chase, to pump out the bilge. Rousse states that due to the position of the pickup truck in relation to the vessel, he was forced to place part of his weight on the open tailgate of the truck. The tailgate of the truck collapsed underneath Rousse, causing him to fall into the water.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to provide a competent crew to the M/V Katie Chase, failing to properly supervise its employees, failing to maintain control of the vessel, failing to properly train its employees, failing to properly moor the vessel and for lack of proper equipment aboard the vessel.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for physical pain and suffering, mental pain, suffering and anguish, medical expenses, lost wages, lost found, loss of future earning capacity, loss of future found, loss of fringe benefits, disfigurement and disability, loss of enjoyment of life, interest, court costs and attorney's fees.

Rousse is represented by Gretna attorney Ronna M. Steele.

U.S. District Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-01364