Man sues fishing charter boat after fishing line breaks and reel hits him in the head

NEW ORLEANS - A Florida man is suing the owner of fishing charter vessel for injuries allegedly due to an accident that occurred while fishing in Louisiana waters.

Nicholas Pierce filed suit against Greg Abrams Seafood Inc. in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Dec. 6, 2013.

Both Pierce and Greg Abrams Seafood are residents of Bay County, Fla. but were sailing within the territorial limits of Louisiana and Greg Abrams Seafood’s vessel, the Leo B, regularly used Louisiana ports. Pierce claims he was fishing off the coast of Louisiana on May 13, 2012 on the Leo B, when, while pulling in a fish, the fishing line broke and the reel hit him in the head. He fell to the deck hitting his head causing further injuries, the suit claims.

Greg Abrams Seafood is accused of failing to promote and adhere to standard safe practices, failing to provide a safe, properly equipped and seaworthy vessel. They are further accused of being in violation Coast Guard and other safety regulations.

Pierce is suing for damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, disability, loss of earned wages, medical expense, travel expenses and loss of earning capacity. He is further suing for any compensatory damages plus punitive damages as allowed by maritime law and for maintenance and cure as allowed by maritime law.

The plaintiff is represented by New Orleans area attorneys David A. Bowling of Bowling & McKinney.

Case is assigned to Division G Judge Robin M. Giarrusso.

Case no. 2013-11539.