After falling approximately 40 feet and suffering a serious head injury, a seaman has filed a lawsuit against his employer for not providing appropriate safety equipment.
Anthony LeBlanc filed suit against AEP Elmwood and Diamond L. Services Inc. on June 17, 2011 in St. James Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on July 18.
The alleged incident occurred on May 21, 2010, as LeBlanc was working as a seaman. He claims his serious injuries included a closed head injury.
The defendant is accused of failing to properly supervise their crew or train their employees, failing to provide adequate safety equipment, including fall protection equipment, failing to provide adequate medical treatment, operating the vessel with an inadequate crew, failing to maintain the vessel, and failing to safely clean the barge.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, discomfort, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, medical expenses, maintenance and cure, punitive damages and attorney's fees.
LeBlanc is represented by Lafayette attorney William N. Gee, III and Michael E. Pierce of Arnold & Itkin in Houston. A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:11-cv-01668
Seaman sues employer for not providing safety equipment after falling 40 feet
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