Rig worker sues employer for damages alleged in injury

A St. Landry Parish resident brought suit against an offshore drilling company claiming injuries.

Audwin Mouton of Opelousas filed against Hercules Offshore Services LLC and Hercules Offshore LLC of Houston on Feb. 19, in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana, citing negligence in injuries received at work.

The defendant was owner of the Hercules Rig 251, located in navigable waters of the United States, the suit says. Mouton, in his employ as a seaman and crew member, was injured while pulling slips aboard the rig on or about Jan. 4, 2013, according to the suit.
Mouton sustained severe bodily injuries, involving possible ruptured discs, nerve damage and other tissue damage, according to court documents.

The complaint states that the defendant failed to provide the plaintiff with a safe work environment; warn him of any danger; maintain, repair or remedy unsafe conditions and equipment; and ensure properly trained personnel. The plaintiff claims that Hercules also did not provide prompt and adequate medical care at the scene of the injury.

Citing pain and suffering, disability, loss of wages and earning capacity, the plaintiff seeks: benefits in the amount of $50 per day or compensatory, exemplary and punitive damages plus interest; attorney’s fees; expenses and costs.

He is represented by Lawrence Jones and David Whitmore, of Scheuermann and Jones in New Orleans.

U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana: 2:15-cv-00546-EEF-MBN.