A seaman has filed a lawsuit against his employer, alleging negligence and unsafe working conditions that led to severe injuries. Joseph Rachal filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on August 15, 2024, naming Marquette Transportation Company, LLC and Marquette Transportation Company Gulf-Inland, LLC as defendants.
According to the complaint, Rachal was employed by Marquette Transportation as a captain and was assigned to work aboard the M/V Holy Cross. On March 30, 2022, while performing his duties on the vessel, Rachal sustained serious injuries due to what he claims were unsafe conditions within the wheelhouse. The plaintiff alleges that these conditions were a direct result of Marquette Transportation's negligence in failing to provide a safe working environment. Specifically, Rachal accuses the company of not properly inspecting and maintaining the windows and door latch within the wheelhouse and failing to adequately train and supervise the crew.
The lawsuit further asserts that Marquette Transportation is liable for creating unseaworthy conditions aboard the M/V Holy Cross. These allegations are grounded in maritime law under Rule 9(h), which grants jurisdiction to federal courts over admiralty and maritime claims. The plaintiff contends that these failures by Marquette Transportation directly caused his "serious, permanent, painful and disabling injuries."
Rachal is seeking damages amounting to no less than $500,000. He is asking for compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages or loss of earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, disfigurement, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. Additionally, he requests that all legal costs be covered by the defendants.
The case is being handled by attorney Scott E. Silbert from Silbert, Pitre & Friedman in New Orleans. The case ID is 2:24-cv-02003.