NEW ORLEANS – A deckhand has filed a negligence lawsuit against Kirby Inland Marine claiming an accident caused him to sustain severe back injuries while working on a vessel.
Plaintiff Allen Ginyard filed the lawsuit in federal court against Kirby Inland Marine citing allegations of negligence and unseaworthiness under the Jones Act and General Maritime Law.
According to court documents, Ginyard was a deckhand hired to work on the M/V GARY BRATSCH, a vessel owned and operated by Kirby Inland Marine. Ginyard claims that on October 29, 2020, while the M/V GARY BRATSCH was navigating through a lock on the Ohio River. He claims that while he was attempting to secure the boat to a wall with a line, the wheelman of the vessel suddenly and unexpectedly moved the boat away from the wall, causing him to pull harder on the line and severely injuring his back in the process.
Ginyard claims to have suffered injuries to his lumbar spine and connecting tissues, nerves, and muscles, which have required ongoing medical treatment and surgery, leading to significant and permanent physical disability. He alleges that his injuries were caused by Kirby's negligent failure to provide a safe work environment and/or the unseaworthiness of the M/V GARY BRATSCH.
Ginyard is seeking a judgment for damages for pain and suffering, permanent physical disability, medical expenses, maintenance, loss of wages and fringe benefits, plus interest, court costs, attorney fees and any other relief the court deems proper. He is being represented by Ian F. Taylor and Paul M. Sterbcow of Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana case number 2:23-cv-06292