A seaman is suing a drilling company for alleged negligence regarding an ailment contracted while on the job.
Christopher Vanacor filed suit on Oct. 5 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Ensco Offshore Co., alleging negligence on behalf of the company regarding how it handled Vanacor contracting necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating bacteria, via MRSA infection while performing a job for them.
Vanacor was an employee of Galliano Marine Services LLC as a seaman assigned to the marine vessel Norbert Bouziga. The vessel was operated by Island Ventures II LLC, which was engaged in business with the defendant providing support to a mobile offshore drilling unit, according to the complaint.
While in service, Vanacor contracted methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. According to the claim, the defendants failed to react appropriately by failing to provide medical assistance and failing to provide medical transport, among others.
As a result, Vanacor is alleging to suffer from, including but not limited to, past and future loss of wage and benefits, impairment of future earning capacity, physical and mental pain and suffering, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Vanacor is seeking damages totaling $5 million plus interest from the date of the accident until the sum is paid. He is also seeking litigation costs and any other appropriate maritime relief. He is represented by Berney A. Strauss and Rhett E. King of Strauss & King, APLC in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana case number 2:15-cv-04998-EEF-SS