Commercial diver sues employer after suffering decompression illness

NEW ORLEANS - After suffering a decompression illness, a commercial diver has filed a lawsuit against his employer for failing to provide a safe dive plan and proper medical care.

Casey Cronk filed suit against Triton Diving Services on Jan. 30 in federal court in New Orleans.

The alleged incident occurred on May 6, 2011 while Cronk was employed by Triton Diving as a seaman and crewmember of the DSV Triton Crusader.

According to the complaint, the vessel was conducting commercial diving operations in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana when Cronk sustained a central nervous system decompression illness following a dive to approximately 240 feet.

He claims he is now unable to continue working as a commercial diver.

The defendant is accused of violating General Maritime Law and negligence for failing to plan and implement a safe dive plan for the dive in question, provide proper medical care and treatment, properly and reasonably select and implement an overall plan to complete the tasks at hand in a safe and non-hazardous manner, and provide proper and sufficient tools and manpower to complete the tasks at hand.

The plaintiff is asking for an award of damages for severe and disabling injuries, psychiatric injuries, disability, loss of wages, found, fringe benefits, earning capacity and other financial losses, medical expenses, maintenance and cure, attorney's fees and court costs.

Cronk is represented by Bobby J. Delise and Alton J. Hall, Jr. of Delise & Hall in New Orleans. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:12-cv-00302