Worker wants $10 million after striking foot against milk crate

A Natchitoches resident is suing his employer for $10 million claiming he is permanently injured after he hit his foot against a milk crate.

Carlos Hardison filed suit against Abdon Callais Offshore on Aug. 18 in federal court in New Orleans.

The incident occurred on June 19, as Hardison was aboard the M/V Callais Explorer at Aransas Pass. Hardison states he sustained a permanent and disabling injury when his right foot struck a milk crate while he was trying to dismount from an upper bunk on the vessel.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to provide a safe place to work, failing to provide a safe means of climbing into and out of the upper bunk, providing Hardison with an unsafe means of climbing in and out of the upper bunk, failing to provide plaintiff with timely medical attention and refusing his request for prompt medical treatment.

The plaintiff is seeking more than $10 million in damages for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional pain and suffering, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of economic horizons, punitive damages, maintenance, cure and attorney's fees.

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

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-02053