Mariner sues over injuries in fall on ship headed to Panama

GRETNA – A mariner is suing the owner of a ship for injuries he claims to have received when he fell 12 feet onto his head.

Arnaldo Avila filed suit against Liberty Maritime Corporation and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on March 25.

Avila asserts he was aboard a ship owned by Liberty Maritime Corporation that was sailing on the open seas towards Panama. The plaintiff alleges he was told to grease the traps on the ship in preparation to unload cargo and as he began to descend scaffolding to do so he fell 12 feet to the deck below and landed on his head, back and side. Avila claims that the ship’s owner dropped him off at a hotel where he stayed for two days before finally being taken to a hospital.

The plaintiff asserts he received numerous injuries in the incident including those to his head, face, shoulder, ribs, neck and back.

The defendant is accused of maintaining an unreasonably dangerous condition on its vessel, negligently placing the plaintiff in a dangerous situation, failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to take all reasonable evasive action to prevent the accident, failing to provide a sufficient number of properly trained crew members, allowing a dangerous condition to exist, inattentiveness, violating all applicable rules and negligent supervision.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for mental pain and suffering, physical pain and suffering, medical expenses, inconvenience, loss of support, disability, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, loss of earning capacity and loss of household services.

Avila is represented by K. Adam Avin of Irpino Law Firm and Patrick H. Hufft of the Hufft and Hufft Law Firm of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division H Judge Glenn B. Ansardi.

Case no. 736-819.