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Jones Act lawsuit filed over alleged fall on oily steps

A seaman in Louisiana’s neighboring state of Mississippi has filed a Jones Act lawsuit after he says his employer failed to maintain a safe work environment. The lawsuit lists several other claims, including the failure of the employer to properly train employees, keep equipment in good working order, provide medical attention, and to warn of the potential dangers while on the dredge barge.

The plaintiff claims he was injured on June 1, 2012 while working for Inland Dredging Co. He was working on a dredge barge owned by Inland Dredging Co. when he allegedly “fell down some stairs that were coated and/or covered in oil.” As a result of the fall, the man suffered several injuries, including broken ribs and a back injury.

The lawsuit claims the defendant made the crew continue to work even though they were aware of the dangers and safety issues. The plaintiff is seeking a jury trial and monetary damages of an unspecified amount.

The Jones Act is a federal statute that allows a seaman or other worker injured at sea to sue their employer for damages they suffered because of a work-related injury. This might include injuries suffered on ships, barges, tankers, offshore oil rigs, riverboats, trawlers and all other vessels on the ocean, canals, or intra-coastal rivers. In most cases, a worker who works on a vessel for 30 percent or more of their time is considered a seaman. If they do not qualify for a claim under the Jones Act, they could be covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Act.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a ship or other vessel, contact a Louisiana Jones Act attorney to discuss your rights and options. You could seek financial compensation through a civil action for pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages and other claims.

Source: 
setexasrecord.com, “Miss. Seaman takes employer to court over alleged fall on dredge barge” John Suayan, Jul. 20, 2013

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