Deckhand sues for $2 million after slipping in fuel

NEW ORLEANS - A deckhand is suing his employer for $2 million claiming that he was severely injured when he slipped and fell in a slippery substance on the vessel's deck.

Eric Mose filed suit against International Offshore Services on May 2 in federal court in New Orleans.

The alleged incident occurred on Feb. 16 while Mose was employed by the defendant as a deckhand aboard the M/V Int'l Courage.

Mose states that he suffered severe neck and back injuries when he slipped and fell on the deck. He claims that he fell as a result of a slippery substance on the deck, which had leaked through a cross-threaded plug in a fuel drain pan.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to provide Mose with a safe place to work, failing to maintain the vessel in a safe and proper condition and for failing to replace the cross-threaded plug, which failed to prevent the slippery substances from getting on the deck.

The plaintiff is asking for more than $2 million in damages for loss of wages and benefits, impairment of earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, maintenance and cure, interest, and court costs.

Mose is represented by Berney L. Strauss and Rhett E. King of Strauss & King in New Orleans.

U.S. District Judge Martin L. C. Feldman is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:12-cv-01120