Offshore welder sues for $500K after injuring shoulder

NEW ORLEANS - An offshore welder has filed a lawsuit against his employer after he injured his shoulder while moving a heavy pipe.

Seeking more than $500,000 in damages, Eddie Jones filed the lawsuit against Tetra Technologies Inc. on Jan. 30 in federal court in New Orleans.

Jones states he was injured on Oct. 31, 2009 while working as a rigger and welder's helper on the derrick barge Arapaho. According to the lawsuit, Jones was dragging a heavy pipe across the deck of the barge and positioning the pipe when he sustained an injury to his right shoulder.

The injury allegedly prevents Jones from continued employment as an offshore welder.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to provide a safe place to work, failing to provide proper equipment to position the heavy metal loads, failing to provide an adequate crew, failing to properly supervise the rigging crew and for failing to properly train the crew.

The plaintiff is asking for lost wages, loss of earning capacity, medical expenses, physical and mental pain and suffering, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, court costs and interest.

Jones is represented by Lafayette attorney James P. Lambert.

Case No. 2:12-cv-00301