Deckhand sues after slipping on loose tile

A Jones Act lawsuit has been filed against a Louisiana towing company after a deckhand slipped and fell on a loose tile.

Deckhand Jerry LeBlue filed suit against Tako Towing Inc. on June 29 in federal court in New Orleans.

The alleged incident occurred on March 6 as LeBlue was working as a deckhand aboard the M/V Tako Spirit. He states he was going down a staircase aboard the vessel when he slipped and fell on a loose tile. LeBlue argues that the defendant did not take proper safety precautions while undergoing renovations.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to properly supervise its employees, failing to properly train or supervise LeBlue, failing to provide LeBlue with a safe place to work and requiring LeBlue to work in unsafe conditions, and failing to adequately equip its vessel with proper equipment required to perform certain operations.

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

LeBlue is represented by Gretna attorney Ronna M. Steele.

U.S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-01535