Captain seeks $2 million after falling into water

NEW ORLEANS - A towboat captain has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $2 million claiming he was injured when he slipped and fell into the water.

Rosario J. Cheramie filed suit against Callais & Sons on Oct. 1 in federal court in New Orleans.

The alleged incident incurred on Sept. 11, 2011 while Cheramie was assigned to the M/V Johnny James as relief Captain. He states he was injured when he suddenly and unexpectedly slipped and fell into the water while traveling in a flatboat/skiff.

The defendant is accused of negligence of failing to warn or Cheramie concerning conditions on Callais’ vessel which rendered it unfit for its intended purpose, failing to prevent or protect against the unfit conditions, failing to provide  Cheramie with an adequate and safe place to work, failing to comply with applicable USCG Regulations, failing to utilize appropriate non-skid paint or other materials to increase the coefficient of friction on the interior hull of the M/V Lil Johnny, and for failing to provide Cheramie with adequate assistance in the performance of his duties.

The plaintiff is asking for an award of $2 million in damages for pain and suffering, loss or diminution of his earning capacity, mental suffering and anguish, loss of fringe benefits, loss of household services, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, maintenance and cure, plus interest.

Cheramie is represented by Lawrence Blake Jones and Kristi A. Post of Scheuermann & Jones in New Orleans.

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:12-cv-02411