Jefferson Parish deckhand sues after tripping and falling

After tripping on a foreign substance on the deck of a barge, a Jefferson Parish resident has filed a Jones Act lawsuit against his employer for allegedly failing to warn of the dangerous condition.

Chris Girard filed suit against Lumar Marine Inc. on Oct. 6 in federal court in New Orleans.

The alleged incident occurred on May 22, 2011 as Girard was working as a deckhand aboard the M/V Tako Toddy and was assisting in taking a barge into dock for cleaning.

The defendant is accused of negligence of failing to provide a competent crew, failing to properly supervise its employees, failing to properly train or supervise Girard, failing to adequately equipment Girard with proper equipment and failing to inspect for or warn Girard about dangerous conditions aboard barges it was contracted to tow, which constituted a risk of harm. The defendant is also accused of negligence for failing to provide Girard with a safe place to work, requiring Girard to work in unsafe conditions and failing to warn Girard about those conditions.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for physical pain and suffering, mental pain, suffering and anguish, medical expenses, lost wages, lost found, loss of earning capacity, loss of benefits, disfigurement and disability, loss of enjoyment of life, interest, and court costs.

Girard is represented by Gretna attorney Ronna M. Steele.

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-02505