NEW ORLEANS - A seaman has filed a lawsuit against his employer claiming he suffered serious and permanent injuries to his back and neck when a platform grating shifted and he fell.
Shang Barnes filed suit against Energy Resource Technology GOM Inc. on Nov. 13 in federal court in New Orleans.
While working aboard the ERT platform on July 23, 2012, Barnes claims he struck his back on a hose roller and then on the deck in the fall.
According to the lawsuit, the grating was uneven or loose.
Barnes argues that the incident was caused by the negligence of ERT or by an unreasonably dangerous defect in ERT's platform.
The plaintiff is seeking an award of $2 million in damages for medical expenses, loss of income, loss of enjoyment of life, physical and mental pain and suffering, disabling injuries, court costs and interest.
Barnes is represented by Rhett E. King and Berney L. Strauss of Strauss & King in New Orleans.
A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:12-cv-02751