Crewman sues vessel captain over injuries allegedly sustained while travelling back to shore

NEW ORLEANS— A man is suing a ship captain for alleged reckless and careless actions claiming injuries after the boat suddenly changed speed.

Marcel Hubbard filed suit against Laborde Marine LLC, Laborde Marine Crewboats LLC and Laborde Marine Crewboats II LLC in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court.

The plaintiff claims that he was employed as an engine room crewman on a resupply/repair vessel while servicing a platform in the Gulf of Mexico at the time of the incident. On May 1, 2013, as Hubbard was traveling back to shore for a crew change on the M/V Rig Runner, a vessel owned and operated by the defendants, he alleges that the captain suddenly and without warning altered course and/or speed. The plaintiff states that he was thrown from his seat and injured his left arm and shoulder after colliding with the cabin ceiling.

The defendants are accused of negligent acts by the vessel’s captain and crew for failing to see what should have been seen, not maintaining proper lookout, not keeping the vessel under control, reckless operation of the vessel, unsafe speed, disregarding inclement weather that may have impaired the captain’s ability to survey the surroundings and failing to use proper procedure to protect passengers.

An undisclosed amount in damages is sought for past and future physical and mental anguish, past and future pain and suffering, loss of past wages, loss of past and future earnings capacity, past and future medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfigurement and any other damages plus legal interest and proceeding costs.

The plaintiff is represented by James C. Klick of Herman, Herman & Katz LLC.

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

Case no. 2013-07777.