Contract worker sues facility after hand is crushed between barge and dock

A St. John the Baptist Parish resident has filed a lawsuit against his employer after his hand was crushed between the barge and the dock.

Michael Wilson filed suit against Cargill Inc. on July 1 in federal court in New Orleans.

The alleged incident occurred on Feb. 27, 2011 as Wilson was assisting in the docking of an unnamed grain barge on the Mississippi River at Cargill's facility. Wilson states he suffered a permanent disabling injury when his hand was crushed between the barge and dock. At the moment the accident occurred, Wilson claims he was attempting to reach down the side of the barge to grab a rope to tie the barge to the dock. The barge moved and crushed Wilson's right hand, ultimately resulting in the amputation in a finger of his right hand.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for lost wages, income and earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life and permanent partial disability.

Wilson is represented by Donald G. D'Aunoy Jr. and Bryan A. Pfleeger of Michael Hingle & Associates in New Orleans.

Case No. 2:11-cv-01560