Roustabout sues employer for injuries received from forcing him to carry large spotlight

NEW ORLEANS - A roustabout has filed a lawsuit against his employer claiming that he was ordered to carry a large spotlight down stairs becoming injured in the process.

Curtis Marsalis filed suit against Hercules Offshore Services on Oct. 24 in federal court in New Orleans.

The alleged incident occurred on Aug. 25, 2012 while Marsalis was working as a roustabout on the M/V Hercules 300. He states he was ordered by the lead roustabout to carry a large spotlight down two flights of stairs to the pump room and he was injured in the process. He claims he sustained a back injury.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to provide Marsalis with a safe place to work and with a sufficient and adequately trained crew and equipment, which could have aided him in lifting the spotlight and avoided his injuries.

Marsalis argues that the defendant’s failure to have a sufficient and adequately trained crew and equipment rendered the vessel unseaworthy.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of $1.5 million damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional stress and strain, loss of earning capacity, interest, maintenance, and cure.

Marsalis is represented by New Orleans attorney Darleen M. Jacobs.

A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:12-cv-02576