NEW ORLEANS — A Jefferson Parish worker is suing a vessel operator, alleging its negligence led to him suffering injuries.
Rene Poublanc filed a lawsuit June 3 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Kirby Ocean Transport Company, alleging negligence and breach of duty.
According to the complaint, Poublanc suffered severe injuries on two incidents aboard the defendant's vessels, the first Aug. 22, 2015 and the second Sept. 15, 2015. On Aug. 22, the suit says, the plaintiff was walking on the barge M/V Vigilant when he slipped and fell on sugar residue on the deck causing him severe injuries. On Sept. 15, the complaint states, Poublanc was asleep when the barge Louise Howland sailed into a notch, causing a strong impact that threw him from his bed, causing him severe injuries, particularly a herniated disc.
The lawsuit states Poublanc's injuries continue to limit him physically and have precluded him from returning to work.
The plaintiff alleges Kirby Ocean Transport failed to provide a reasonably safe place to work, failed to supervise employees properly and failed to provide a seaworthy vessels,.
Poublanc seeks a trial by jury, judgment for special and general damages, plus interest, all legal costs and any other relief the court deems proper. He is represented by attorneys Timothy J. Falcon, Jeremiah A. Sprague and Jarrett S. Falcon of Falcon Law Firm PLC in Marrero.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Case number 2:16-cv-08119