Boat collision during oil spill clean-up leads to lawsuit

After suffering back injuries during a boat collision, an oil spill worker has filed a personal injury lawsuit that claims the boat owners failed to provide competent boat operators.

Tyrone Walton filed suit against E S & H Inc. on July 27 in federal court in New Orleans.

The accident occurred on July 28, 2010, as Walton was aboard the M/V Miss Katelyn, which was engaged in response to the oil spill crisis. According to the lawsuit, the M/V Miss Katelyn was moored at the dock near Grand Isle when a 2-foot skiff collided with it. As a result of the collision, Walton fell to the vessel's deck and suffered severe injuries to his spine and lower back.

The defendant is accused of failing to provide a safe and seaworthy vessel, failing to provide competent boat operators, failing to maintain safe control of the vessel and failing to train and supervise its boat operators.

The plaintiff is seeking more than $2 million in damages for lost wages and benefits, impairment of earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental and emotional pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability and interest.

Walton is represented by Berney L. Strauss and Rhett E. King of Strauss & King in New Orleans.

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-01819