Christie L. Laporte
GRETNA – A workers' compensation insurer is suing a box manufacturer for medical benefits paid to a worker who was allegedly injured while handling one of their boxes.
Louisiana United Businesses Association Casualty Insurance Company (LUBACIC) filed suit against JBS USA, LLC and their insurer in the 24th Judicial DIstrict Court on June 7. LUBACIC claims it paid out a workers' compensation claim to Edgar Couvillion who was allegedly injured on the job as a worker at the Rouse's Supermarket located at 2851 Belle Chasse Highway in Gretna.
Couvillion was alleged to have been lifting a box filled with approximately 86 pounds of meat when its handle broke and the box burst causing injury to him. The plaintiff asserts any claims paid to Couvillion for the severe injuries to his left shoulder, left arm, right forearm and chest should be covered by JBS and their insurer.
The defendants are accused of manufacturing the box in a defective manner, not placing adequate warnings on the box, failing to address the reasonably foreseeable danger posed to users of the box, failing to declare defect in the box, failing exercise due care, absence of safety features and lacking adequate handles on the box.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical indemnity benefits paid, costs incurred and any and all reasonable costs of collection.
The plaintiff is represented by Christie L. Laporte of Mandeville-based Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith.
The case has been assigned to Division H Judge Glenn B. Ansardi.
Case number 715-678.