NEW ORLEANS — An employee is suing a deep water drilling business, alleging negligence led to the plaintiff suffering a severely injured finger.
Jonathan Romandia filed a lawsuit Aug. 4 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Seadrill Americas Inc., alleging violation of General Maritime Law.
According to the complaint, on Jan. 20, 2014, Romandia, who was working aboard the deep water semi-submersible drilling rig West Pegasus, was injured when a pneumatic knife valve was negligently activated by his superior while his left index finger was inside.
As a result, the suit says, Romandia's left index finger was severely and permanently injured, requiring surgery. The lawsuit states he suffered physical and mental injuries, loss of wages and benefits, impairment, medical expenses, disability and loss of enjoyment of life.
The plaintiff alleges Seadrill Americas failed to provide a safe place to work, failed to give proper and appropriate warnings, failed to adequately plan the ongoing operation at the time of incident and other negligent acts.
Romandia seeks a trial by jury, judgment of $3 million plus interest, all legal costs and all equitable maritime relief. He is represented by attorneys Berney L. Strauss, Rhett E. King and Clinton G. Mead of Strauss & King APLC in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Case number 2:16-cv-13565