Seaman sues over lack of sanitary conditions aboard vessel

A seaman has filed a lawsuit against his employer after he developed a skin infection allegedly due to the lack of safe potable water and lack of sanitary conditions aboard the vessel.

Lonnie Costello filed suit against Gisclair Towing Co. Inc. on June 23 in federal court in New Orleans.

Costello was working aboard the M/V Nancy Gisclair owned by Defendant Gisclair Towing Co. when he was infected with a skin disorder and infection allegedly caused by the negligence of the defendant.

Specifically, Costello claims the vessel did not have a water filtration system on board to promote proper hygiene.

The defendant is accused of negligently allowing a dangerous condition to exist on the vessel, for allowing and promoting dangerous and unsanitary practices and for allowing a deteriorating and unsanitary dangerous condition to exist on the M/V Nancy Gisclair.

The plaintiff is asking for an award of $500,000 in damages for physical and mental pain and anguish, loss of bodily function, scarring of his body, embarrassment, maintenance and cure, interest and court costs.

Costello is represented by C. Arlen Braud, II and Michelle O. Gallagher of Braud & Gallagher in Mandeville. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr. is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-01489