NEW ORLEANS — A Waggaman seaman is suing a Jefferson Parish maritime company, alleging the defendants failed to provide a safe place to work.
Edwin Guzman filed a lawsuit April 4, in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Chiba Marine America Inc. of Jefferson Parish and Rickmers-Linie Inc., alleging negligence and breaching an unseaworthy warranty.
According to the complaint, on Nov. 14, 2015, while Guzman was working on M/V Spirit of Auckland, he was directed to immediately disembark and proceed to another vessel to obtain materials needed for his work. While getting the materials, the suit says, he was advised the vessel would be leaving in a few minutes.
Guzman says, while carrying the materials needed, he rushed to the gangway, causing him to fall and injure his left knee. The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to provide him proper materials and equipment to perform his duties, failed to properly secure the gangway at the time of the incident, refused to provide any maintenance and cure, failed to pay his surgery expenses and failed to fulfill their promise to initiate maintenance.
The plaintiff alleges he has suffered physical pain, mental anguish, permanent disability and loss of enjoyment of life.
The plaintiff seeks trial by jury and compensation for all damages. He is represented by attorneys Lloyd N. Frischhertz, Marc L. Frischhertz and Dominick F. Impastato II of Frischhertz, Poulliard, Frischhertz & Impastato LLC in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Case number 2:16-cv-02779