A maritime worker has filed a lawsuit alleging severe injuries due to negligence on the part of multiple shipping and insurance companies. Joseph Patterson lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on June 5, 2024, targeting Nisshin Shipping Company, Ltd., M/V Western London, Ratu Shipping Company, S.A., Britannia Steamship Insurance Association, Ltd., and Assuranceforeningen Skuld.
The case centers around an incident that occurred on June 9, 2023. Patterson was employed by PeopleReady, Inc. as a latch rigger and laborer and was assigned to work aboard the M/V Western London during cargo discharge operations. According to the complaint, while latching a super sack bag in the poorly lit hold of the vessel, a crane malfunctioned causing the cargo to swing violently. This resulted in Patterson being slammed into the hull of the vessel's hold, leading to significant injuries to his neck, back, and legs.
Patterson asserts that he was performing his duties as instructed and that his injuries were solely due to the defendants' negligence. The complaint highlights several failures on part of the defendants including inadequate lighting and faulty equipment. "The negligent condition of the vessel... existed prior to any work performed on the vessel by Plaintiff or his employer," states Patterson's filing. He further claims that Nisshin Shipping Company and Ratu Shipping Company were aware or should have been aware of these hazardous conditions but failed to take appropriate action.
The plaintiff is seeking various forms of relief from the court including compensation for past, present, and future physical pain and suffering; mental anguish; medical expenses; lost wages; loss of earning capacity; disfigurement; disability; loss of enjoyment of life; punitive damages; prejudgment interest from the date of loss; and litigation costs including attorney’s fees.
Representing Joseph Patterson are attorneys Neil F. Nazareth, Scott R. Bickford, Larry J. Centola II, Spencer R. Doody, and Jason Z. Landry from Martzell Bickford & Centola law firm based in New Orleans. The case is identified under Civil Action No.: 2:24-cv-1439-WBV-EJD.