Lawsuit filed after seaman hits head while attempting to leave vessel

A seaman has filed a lawsuit after he was injured when he hit his head on overhead pipes while attempting to leave a vessel.

Rex Navarro filed suit against Carabonour S.p.A. on June 21 in federal court in New Orleans.

The incident occurred on April 30, 2011 as Rex Navarro was employed by General Steamship Agencies Inc. as a ship's agent. He states he was escorted by a crewmember aboard the S/S Luigi Lagrande to his destination aboard the vessel. The path they followed required Navarro to bend over and pass underneath pipes and other appurtenances located on the deck. After completing his duties, he was attempting to exit the vessel, using the same route as when he came aboard, when he struck his head upon the overhead pipes.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to provide adequate equipment and personnel aboard the vessel, for ordering visitors aboard the vessel to use an unsafe route from the deck to the upper cabins, for failing to escort visitors along the safe and reasonable route and for failing to train or warn about unsafe conditions or operations aboard the S/S Luigi Lagrande.

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

Navarro is represented by Gretna attorney Ronna M. Steele. A jury trial is requested.

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

Case No. 2:11-cv-1470