A boat operator is suing Shell, alleging negligence for injuries he sustained in an accident involving his motorboat and a submerged pipeline.
Ryk Frickey filed a lawsuit Sept. 30 in U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana against Shell Pipeline Company, alleging negligence.
On March 20, 2014, the complaint states, while Frickey was operating his 16-foot oil well mud motorboat in the Avondale "Ring Canal," his vessel suddenly struck an unmarked submerged pipeline owned by Shell, causing his vessel's battery to strike Frickey and break his leg.
The suit says Shell was negligent in failing to properly maintain, mark and inspect the submerged pilings. As a result of the accident, the lawsuit states, the plaintiff has sustained pain and suffering, physical disability, lost wages and earning capacity, economic loss for damages to his boat and has incurred medical expenses.
Frickey seeks compensatory, special and general damages, plus costs of the suit. He is represented by attorneys Timothy J. Young, Tammy D. Harris and Daniel J. Poolson Jr. of The Young Firm in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana case number 2:15-cv-04884-MLCF-SS.