Workplace Accident Results

Longshoreman injured during rough seas

Bruce was working as a member of a coiled tubing crew aboard a lift boat in OCS waters in the Gulf. Despite there being rough seas, Bruce's crew was instructed by Conn Energy's "company man," to rig up the coiled tubing unit on the wellhead which required lifting the blowout preventer (BOP). The BOP was lifted by a crane which was mounted on the lift boat Kaitlyn Eymar which was owned by defendant Offshore Marine Contractors, Inc. (OMC) and operated by defendant crane operator Timothy J. Desalvo (Desalvo). While attempting to lift the BOP it became lodged against a beam on the platform when suddenly and without warning a large wave caused the lift boat crane to move unexpectedly parting the sling causing the BOP to fall, striking Bruce wherein he sustained severe and disabling injuries.

Result: We obtained a settlement for this client in the amount of $1,205,000.00.

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Hit and run over by forklift due to negligent operation and defective equipment operation

On the night of October 30^th, Mr. Lau was on his way to clock out after a long day at work when he was suddenly run over by a reversing Hyster H300XL forklift. At the time of the accident, the 32,000 lb. forklift's reverse lights and alarm were both defective, as well as one of the front headlights. Additionally, due to the dim lighting conditions, Mr. Lau had to use his flashlight to guide his path as he walked. There was no way Mr. Lau could have seen the forklift reversing toward him. The back tires of the forklift ran over both of Mr. Lau's legs causing extensive damage. Mr. Lau's legs were destroyed from the knee down requiring multiple surgeries, including the use of rods and skin grafts to attempt to save his legs from amputation. He sustained three fractures and an open de-gloving wound to his left leg, and two severe fractures and a de-gloving wound to his right leg. He was hospitalized for approximately two and half months and underwent eight surgeries during his recovery. In addition, he has battled constant infections and will require pain management for the rest of his life. Mr. Lau has been totally and permanently disabled due to the accident.

Result: We obtained a settlement for Mr. Lau in the amount of $2,331,129.68.

Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson, LLC
721 Kirby Street, P.O. Box 2125
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone: 337-310-1600
Toll Free: 877-300-8680
Fax: 337-310-1601
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