LAFAYETTE – An employer alleges a St. Martinville man is not further entitled to any maintenance and cure benefits.
Danos and Curole Marine Contractors LLC filed a complaint on Oct. 7, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, Lafayette Division against Richard J. Kerlegan seeking declaratory judgment.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff hired Kerlegan in June 2014 as a sandblaster and painter. The suit states that the defendant was injured in a fall in March and that the plaintiff has been paying him maintenance and cure benefits. The plaintiff holds Richard J. Kerlegan responsible because the the plaintiff alleges that the defendant is not a seaman as defined by the Jones Act and that only seaman are entitled to the benefits.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment declaring that defendant is not entitled to additional maintenance and cure benefits and such other further and different relief as may be necessary and proper. It is represented by S. Brian Perry of Allen & Gooch ALC in Lafayette.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, Lafayette Division Case number 6:16-cv-01409