Best
NEW ORLEANS - A seaman is suing his employer claiming that his co-workers' use of improper equipment caused him to suffer two different accidents resulting in injuries.
Chance Ellis filed a Jones Act lawsuit against Hercules Offshore Inc. and Hercules Drilling Co. on Nov. 28 in federal court in New Orleans.
The alleged incident occurred on Feb. 14, 2012 as Ellis was working for the defendants aboard Rig 213. Ellis states he sustained injuries when he was knocked to the drill floor as a result of co-workers having to use improper equipment to unscrew production tubing.
Following the accident and while on light duty work, Ellis was further injured when he was assisting a co-worker in replacing the shaker screen when the co-worker dropped his end which caused Ellis to be thrown into the shaker.
The defendant is accused of negligence and unseaworthiness.
The plaintiff is asking for an award of damages for mental and physical pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment life, disability, loss of wages, impairment of earning capacity, medical expenses, punitive damages, maintenance and cure, interest, attorney's fees and court costs.
Ellis is represented by New Orleans attorney Laurence E. Best.
U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:12-cv-02839