Seaman claims injury after being shocked when vessel struck barge

GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish seaman claims he was injured on the job when the boat he was riding in struck a barge.

Ricky Guidry filed suit against Blake Marine Group, Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Nov. 19. Guidry claims he was working on an electrical panel aboard the vessel and standing on a handrail leaning over the work

site at a 45 degree angle. The plaintiff alleges that he was instructed against his will and threatened with losing his position if he did not complete the work in the manner described. Guidry asserts that as he was doing the work the vessel struck a barge and he fell onto the electrical, was shocked and lost consciousness. The plaintiff claims that as a result of the incident he received severe burns to his feet and toes upon which time he reported the injuries to his superior and was terminated from employment. Guidry alleges that since the incident he has suffered from constant and disabling pain in his lower extremities and severe lower back pain that has significantly diminished his quality of life and kept him from procuring other employment.

The defendant is accused of failing to exercise ordinary and necessary caution to ensure employee safety, failing to supply employees with the necessary equipment to perform their job related responsibilities in a safe manner, willful disregard of employee safety, failing to take necessary precautions to ensure that the vessel was reasonably fit for its intended use and failing to take necessary precautions to maintain all electrical systems in good working condition.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, medical expenses and economic losses.

Guidry is represented by Frank D'Amico of the New Orleans-based Law Offices of Frank D'Amico.

The case has been assigned to Division G Judge Robert A. Pitre Jr.

Case no. 721-277.