Dock worker sues for $1.2 million after injuring back during attempt to lift box

A dock worker is suing his employer for $1.2 million after he injured his back attempting to lift a heavy box without help from co-workers.

Claiming the task was not properly supervised, Theodore Corey Mitchell filed suit against Team Labor Force, ES&H and Specialized Environmental Resources on Aug. 4 in federal court in New Orleans.

The alleged incident occurred on May 7, as Mitchell was working as a deck hand/rigger technician at the Grande Isle Dock. He states he sustained serious injuries to his spine when he was required to manually lift a heavy box from the dock without help from other workers.

The defendants are accused of negligence for failing to provide a safe place to work, failing to properly supervise the task being performed, failing to properly coordinate lifting the box, allowing the full weight of the box to be suddenly placed on Mitchell, and failing to arrange for lifting the box in a safe manner.

The plaintiff is seeking more than $1.2 million in damages for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, maintenance and cure, attorney's fees, interest and court costs.

Mitchell is represented by Evette E. Ungar, George W. Byrne, Jr. and Cheryl L. Wild of Ungar & Bryne in New Orleans.

Case No. 2:11-cv-01882