Seaman sues employers over back injury

A Louisiana man brought a lawsuit against his maritime employers for alleged negligence in connection with a 2014 incident.

Jessie Jones filed claim against Crowley Marine Services Inc.; Vessel Management Services Inc.; and Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning Inc. on March 23 in U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana, citing negligence.

The three defendants, who jointly own the vessel ABT Pride, employed Jones as a cook, according to court documents.

The complaint states that on or about April 1, 2014, the plaintiff was injured while lifting a box of turkey. He asserts damage to his lower back, bones, muscles and joints.

As a result of his alleged injuries, Jones blames the defendants for failure to provide a safe workplace, warn the plaintiff of hazard, and provide proper equipment or personnel to help him accomplish his task in a reasonably safe manner; failure to properly staff the vessel, train employees, provide adequate supervision, and discover any and all unsafe conditions as well as neglecting to provide him with prompt and adequate medical care.

Claiming past and future physical and mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, wage loss and lessened earning capacity, and loss of household services, the plaintiff seeks punitive and exemplary damages; a maintenance rate of $50 per day for medical improvement; plus attorney’s fees, expenses and costs.

The seaman is represented by Julie Sumrall, Lawrence Jones and David Whitmore of Scheuermann and Jones, New Orleans.

U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana, case no. 2:15-cv-00972-NJB-KWR.