Barge company sued by Jefferson Parish after crane collision with bridge

GRETNA – Jefferson Parish is suing a barge company for damage resulting from a crane ramming into a bridge.

The Parish of Jefferson filed suit against Specialty Marine Services Inc. and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on Oct. 16.

Jefferson Parish asserts that on Oct. 25, 2013 a crane on a barge being pushed by a vessel, owned by Specialty Marine Services Inc., down the Harvey Canal struck and damaged the Lapalco Bridge spanning the the Harvey Canal. The plaintiff claims that the bridge suffered extensive damage in the incident for which Jefferson Parish has had to cover the costs of repair.

The defendant is accused of property damage.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for the costs to repair the bridge plus attorney’s fees and court costs.

Jefferson Parish is represented by Senior Assistant Parish Attorney W. Reed Smith of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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

Case no. 743-441.