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Maritime News

Injured offshore worker sues claiming unsafe working conditions

Posted on Aug 31, 2010

An injured offshore platform worker has filed a lawsuit after falling through a large hole in the grating of an oil platform.

The accident occurred on August 3, 2009. Ronald Kindred was working on an offshore oil platform owned by W&T Offshore. That day, W&T was working on the grating of the platform and cut a 3-foot by 3-foot hole in the grating. Kindred states that as he was working, he stepped on an unsecured portion of grating. The grating shifted and Kindred fell in the hole. Kindred suffered serious injuries, including a crushing injury to his ribs. He required surgery and extensive medical treatment.

Ronald Kindred and his wife, Kim Kindred, filed suit against Blake International Holdings, Spartan Offshore Holdings, W&T Offshore, Fastorq and Lexington Insurance on July 20 in Terrebonne Parish District Court. The case was removed to federal court in New Orleans on Aug. 20.

According to the maritime injury lawsuit, the defendants are accused of failing to provide a safe work place, failing to properly warn of unreasonably-dangerous conditions, failing to erect barricades around the hole in the grating, improperly securing the grating and failing to provide properly trained personnel.

The couple is seeking damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, lost earnings, living expenses, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent scarring, loss of consortium and interest, costs, and attorney fees.

Workers on offshore oil platforms are protected under maritime law.