Seaman claims negligence, sues employer for car accident injuries

A Terrebonne Parish man brought a lawsuit against his employer for injuries sustained on the way to work.

Wade Lee Foret filed a grievance against Benton Energy Service Co. of Terrebonne Parish on April 17 in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana, citing liability in an August 2014 incident.

According to the lawsuit, Foret was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed on its way to a work site. Invoking the Jones Act, the plaintiff alleges failure to provide safe transportation to his assigned vessel, a vetted driver, precautions for Foret’s safety and a safe workplace.

Arguing that his employer is in breach of duty by denying payment of maintenance and cure, Foret claims injuries including physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost earnings and earning capacity, disfigurement, impairment and medical expenses. In addition, he alleges that the company’s unreasonable refusal to compensate him for his injuries and ensuing expenses was deliberate, further aggravating his issues.

The plaintiff seeks compensatory, punitive and general damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, plus attorney’s fees, expenses and costs. He is represented by Marcus Spagnoletti and Walter Naquin Jr. of Spagnoletti and Co. of Houston.

U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana case no. 2:15-cv-01224-JCZ-DEK.