A commercial fisherman has sued Westbank Fishing for injuries he sustained on the job.
Jawaski McBeath filed his complaint in federal court against Westbank Fishing LLC.
According to the complaint, McBeath was working for Westbank near Empire as a net setter when he was injured when pulling a net due to the winch operators' failure to observe a hazardous condition of the netting. This resulted in the net snatching McBeath's left arm and falling on him, causing injury and damage to his neck and arm.
McBeath claims he sustained severe and disabling injuries from this incident which have led to enduring pain, suffering, mental anguish and loss of income. He also says he is no longer able to engage in his chosen occupation due to these injuries.
The lawsuit accuses Westbank Fishing of failing to provide a safe work environment and adequately train its employees. It also says the crew and vessel were not reasonably fit for their intended tasks.
McBeath is seeking maintenance and cure from Westbank Fishing until he reaches maximum medical improvement. He also demands punitive damages and attorney fees for what he describes as Westbank Fishing's arbitrary refusal to pay maintenance and cure after demand.
The case has been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.