NEW ORLEANS – A seaman has filed a negligence lawsuit against his employer after allegedly suffering severe back injuries while carrying winch batteries.
Vincent Fleeton filed his complaint November 6 in federal court against Madcon Corporation, citing allegations of negligence.
According to court documents, Fleeton was a seaman employed by Madcon to work aboard the vessel M/V Gulf Freedom. Fleeton alleges that on May 1, 2021, he was carrying winch batteries aboard the vessel when he suffered severe injuries to his back. He claims that his injuries include possible ruptured or herniated discs, nerve damage in the spine, and other injuries to various parts of his body.
Fleeton says his injuries were because of the defendant's failure to provide a safe working environment, to warn of dangerous conditions and other acts of negligence and unseaworthiness.
Fleeton is seeking a judgment for damages for pain and suffering, loss of household services, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages and medical expenses, plus attorney's fees, court costs, and other relief the court deems proper. Additionally, he claims Madcon has a duty to provide maintenance and cure benefits and has requested compensation at a daily rate of $60.
Fleeton is being represented by Lawrence Blake Jones and David C. Whitmore of the Blake Jones Law Firm in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana case number 2:23-cv-06715