LAFAYETTE — A crane operator is suing Marine Transportation Services Inc. of Florida, a ship owner, alleging that insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Sanford Sims filed a complaint on Sept. 12 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against Marine Transportation Services Inc. of Florida alleging that the shipowner failed to maintain a seaworthy vessel.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Sept. 15, 2013, while he was being transported from a platform by a crane and basket, the basket suddenly overturned, causing him to sustain bodily injuries that resulted in pain and suffering, lost wages, mental anguish and medical expenses. The plaintiff holds Marine Transportation Services Inc. of Florida responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to ensure safe passage from the platform to the vessel, failed to monitor the weather conditions and failed to exercise reasonable care for the safety of the crew riding the basket.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks an order requiring the defendant to pay for the plaintiff's damages, plus interest and costs and all other equitable relief. He is represented by John M. Jefcoat and G. Shelly Maturin of Galloway & Jefcoat LLP in Lafayette.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana Case number 6:16-cv-01278