Seaman sues for $7 million after injuring knee

A seaman has filed a lawsuit for more than $7 million after he injured his knee attempting to move machinery.

Ron Michael Schexnayder filed suit against American Overseas Marine Corp. and the United States of America on July 8 in federal court in New Orleans.

According to the lawsuit, Schexnayder suffered severe injuries to his knee on Aug. 5, 2009 when he was ordered to move an oversized valve manually from the machine shop in the engine room. He was treated at West Jefferson Hospital and placed in a cast.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to furnish a safe place to work, failing to furnish appropriate assistance and crew and for failing to provide a full and competent crew.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for medical expenses, attorney's fees, for mental and physical pain and suffering, lost wages, maintenance, cure, punitive damages, interest and court costs.

Schexnayder is represented by Thomas M. Discon of Discon Law Firm in Mandeville. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Martin L. C. Feldman is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-01604