Seaman sues for $2.5 million after slipping and falling

NEW ORLEANS - A seaman has filed a lawsuit for $2.5 million after slipping and falling while attempting to pull on a tow cable.

James Green filed suit against Lumar Marine Inc., Tako Towing, American River Transportation Co. (ARCO) and Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) Logistics on April 17 in federal court in New Orleans.

The alleged incident occurred on March 1 as Green was pulling on a tow cable on the ARTCO and ADM and he slipped and fell. Green claims he suffered disabling injuries to his knee, back, and thigh in the incident.

The defendants are accused of negligence for failing to provide Green with a safe place to work, failing to properly supervise the work being performed, failing to provide adequate lighting during the performance of the assigned task, failing to properly and timely release the tow cable being handled by Green, requiring Green to negotiate a barge whose deck was not reasonably safe, and for failing to position the tug to enable Green to safely perform his job.

The plaintiff is asking the court for an award of more than $2.5 million in damages for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, maintenance and cure, attorney's fees and costs, and interest.

Green is represented by George W. Byrne Jr., Evette E. Ungar, and Cheryl L. Wild of Ungar & Bryne in New Orleans.

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:12-cv-00978