Former offshore worker files sexual harassment lawsuit

GRETNA – A former worker for an offshore energy services contractor is claiming sexual harassment.

Quana Francis filed suit against Atwood Oceanics Inc., Aramark U.S. Offshore Services LLC and Richard Guidry in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 21.

Francis asserts that she began working for Aramark U.S. Offshore Services in November 2011 and was stationed on an oil well platform in the Gulf of Mexico. On April 23, 2013 the plaintiff alleges workers aboard the oil platform employed by Atwood Oceanics Inc. began to sexually harass her by releasing her private information, including her address, to third parties. Francis claims she filed a complaint with her employer, but nothing was done.

The plaintiff asserts on May 7, 2013 she was alone in an elevator on the platform with Guidry when he battered her by sniffing her neck. Francis alleges after the incident she filed another complaint and also notified the U.S. Coast Guard after which she was called into a meeting and chastised before being reassigned to a remote location in west Texas, which she was required to pay relocation costs to move to.

The defendant is accused of sexual harassment, violation of state law, intentional infliction of emotional distress, failing to supervise employees, assault and battery.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering and lost wages.

Francis is represented by Myles Steib of Metairie-based Gardner & Steib, Attorneys at Law LLC.

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

Case no. 737-626.