Ship company sued after seaman injured in boat accident

NEW ORLEANS – A seaman who was injured while aboard the vessel M/V Jean Lafitte where he was working is suing.

Dineshia Johnson as tutrix for Skylar Tassin and Jowanna Smith as tutrix for Shannon Jo’quin Tassin filed suit against Turn Services LLC and Axis Specialty Insurance Company in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Aug. 27.

The suit states that on Sept. 19, 2012, Shannon Tassin, the father of Skylar and Shannon Jo’quin was employed by the defendant as a seamen, and was assigned to the vessel M/V Jean Lafitte.

While working on the ship, Shannon Tassin was allegedly injured during a collision between the M/V Jean Lafitte and a barge, and the collision was allegedly a result of the negligence of the ship’s captain.

The defendants are accused of failing to provide a reasonable and safe place to work, failing to provide adequate instruction, allowing an unseaworthy condition to exist on its vessel and being otherwise negligent.

The plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount in damages for Shannon Tassin’s  mental anguish, physical suffering medical expenses and for injuries to his arms, body and mind.

The plaintiffs are represented by Glen Lieberman of Morris Bart LLC in New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division L Judge Kern A. Reese.

Case no. 2013-8118.