A Lafayette woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against her husband's employer for allowing him to come aboard a vessel with a serious medical condition and while taking prescription narcotics.
Liana Blanchard on behalf of Brett Anthony Blanchard filed suit against Swan Marine Operators and ABC Insurance Co. on July 12 in federal court in New Orleans.
According to the lawsuit, Brett Blanchard suffered fatal injuries on April 16, 2011, while aboard the M/V Dylan J. His wife argues that the death was caused or hastened by the negligence of the defendant.
The defendant is accused of negligence in failing to provide a safe place to work, allowing a serious and dangerous condition to exist on the vessel, failing to keep the vessel safe for its crew and for allowing Brett Blanchard on the vessel with a serious condition and while taking prescription narcotics.
The plaintiff is seeking more than $300,000 in damages, plus interest and court costs.
Blanchard is represented by C. Arlen Braud II, Michelle O. Gallagher and Megan E. Algero of Braud & Gallagher in Mandeville. A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:11-cv-01626
Employer sued for allowing employee to work while taking prescription narcotics
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