Deckhand sues for $1.65 million after tripping on a board

NEW ORLEANS - A deckhand has filed a lawsuit against his employer for $1.65 million after tripping on a board and being knocked unconscious.

Timothy Ray Howard filed suit against Cieutat Trawlers Inc. on Jan. 26 in federal court in New Orleans.

The alleged incident occurred on Sept. 17, 2011 as Howard was working as a deckhand aboard the M/V Shootist. Howard states he tripped over a 2' x 6" board on the deck of the vessel and fell and hit his head. He was knocked unconscious and remained on the vessel for two days in bed.

The defendant is accused of negligence for breaching an illegally imposed duty of reasonable care, failing to provide a reasonably safe place to work, failing to take any means or precautions for the safety of employees, failing to provide minimum safety requirements, failing to provide adequate housekeeping procedures relative to the cleaning of the deck and removal of tripping hazards, and for creating and maintaining an unseaworthy vessel.

The plaintiff is asking the court for an award of $1.65 million in damages for loss of wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, mental anguish, maintenance and cure, punitive damages, interest and court costs.

Howard is represented by Metairie attorney Robert T. Myers.

U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr. is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:12-cv-00268