NEW ORLEANS - An Alabama seaman has filed a Jones Act lawsuit against his employer after he injured his back when his vessel collided with a fixed structure.
Joseph Wells filed a lawsuit against International Offshore Services and International Marine on March 16 in federal court in New Orleans.
While working for the defendants aboard the M/V Int'l Titan, Wells states he suffered injuries when the vessel collided with a fixed structure. He fell and injured his back during the collision.
The alleged incident occurred on Aug. 20, 2011.
The defendants are accused of negligence and negligence per se for failing to properly supervise their crew, failing to properly train their employees, failing to provide adequate safety equipment or medical treatment, operating the vessel with an inadequate crew, failing to maintain the vessel, failing to maintain a proper lookout, and for violating applicable Coast Guard, OSHA and MMS rules.
The plaintiff is asking for an award of damages for physical pain, mental anguish, medical problems, physical impairment, discomfort, distress, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, medical expenses, maintenance and cure, punitive damages, interest, court costs and attorney's fees.
Wells is represented by Metairie attorney Scott LaBarre.
U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:12-cv-00738
Worker sues claiming vessel's collision with fixed structure caused back injuries
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