Scaffold worker sues after tripping and falling over construction materials

A scaffold worker has filed a personal injury lawsuit after he tripped and fell over tubing which had been dropped by other contract workers.

Marvin Robinson filed suit against Blanchard Contractors Inc. on June 2 in Lafourche Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on June 20.

The alleged incident occurred on July 17, 2010, as Robinson was employed by Gulf South Scaffolding Inc. Robinson was sent by his employer to an offshore platform and was instructed to construct scaffolding beneath the main deck of the platform. According to the lawsuit, while Robinson was constructing the scaffolding, employees of the defendant were fabricating stainless steel tubing above the deck and allowed pieces of the tubing to fall through the deck grating onto the scaffolding where Robinson was working. Robinson states that as he walked along the scaffolding board, he tripped over a piece of the tubing and fell, striking his shoulder and injuring his lower back.

The defendant is accused of negligence for allowing pieces of stainless steel tubing to fall through the grating of the platform and for failing to warn Robinson of the fallen tubing.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for physical and mental pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, interest and court costs.

Robinson is represented by Timothy K. Lamy of Barker, Boudreaux, Lamy & Foley in New Orleans and Houma attorney Kevin Thompson.

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

Case No. 2:11-cv-01453