Personal injury lawsuit filed against McDermott fabrication over worker's injury

A drywall installer has filed a personal injury lawsuit against his employer after he injured his back while carrying a wooden pallet with sheets of drywall.

Joseph W. Brown Jr. filed suit against McDermott Inc. on June 21 in federal court in New Orleans.

The incident occurred on Nov. 29, 2010 as Brown was assigned to carry pallets along the entryway of a large marine structure being erected at the McDermott fabrication yard.

Brown states the pallets were approximately 200 pounds and he was injured when a co-worker stumbled, forcing Brown to carry the entire weight of the pallet. Brown injured his lower back, he claims.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to provide workers with a safe workplace, failing to properly supervise the activities, failing to properly train workers, for requiring workers to carry heavy loads with insufficient assistance and requiring workmen to carry heavy loads along an unsafe egress to the installation site.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for physical pain and suffering, mental pain, suffering and anguish, medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, disfigurement and disability, loss of enjoyment of life, interest and court costs.

Brown is represented by Gretna attorney Ronna M. Steele.

Case No. 2:11-cv-01465