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Deckhand from Louisiana sues employer under Jones Act

A deckhand from Jefferson Parish, Louisiana has filed a claim against his employer under the Jones Act. The Jones Act allows sailors and seamen to file actions against their employers for the negligence of ship owners, captains or other members of the ship’s crew. More simply, it generally allows sailors to file personal injury claims against their employers. The deckhand from Jefferson Parish has filed an action against his employer for failing to properly supervise and train him.

The Jefferson Parish deckhand experienced a fall from his vessel and a different incident where he tripped and fell off of the vessel he was working on. Because of the two incidents, the deckhand has filed a suit under the Jones Act in federal court in New Orleans.

The first accident or incident the man experienced occurred on July 15, 2010. On that day, the deckhand was trying to tie off a vessel at Joshua’s Marina in Buras. The deckhand claims he was injured when an unexpected movement occurred on the vessel and the movement caused the man to fall into the water between two pilings.

The later incident occurred the following month on August 2, 2010. The deckhand was working on a different vessel at the time. He claims he was injured when he attempted to carry an anchor and tripped and fell over other anchors.

According to the court documents, the man is suing the company for negligence for failing to properly supervise its employees, failing to provide a safe place to work, failing to properly train the deckhand, failing to operate and control the applicable vessels in a safe and seamanlike manner and failing to equip the vessel with proper equipment required to perform certain operations.

Source: The Louisiana Record, “Deckhand sues employer after two trip and fall incidents,” Michelle Keahey, Aug. 30, 2011

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