Maritime News

Seaman Sues after Injury in Offshore Slip and Fall Accident

Posted on Feb 18, 2011

An injured seaman is filing a Jones Act lawsuit against his employer for not providing a safe place to work.

Daryl Lamond Peyton was injured on deck when he fell on December 17, 2010 after slipping in spilled hydraulic fluid. Peyton was employed by Offshore Liftboats at the time. He was working on the leg tower of the vessel when the accident occurred. Peyton was using a ladder and as he descended from the ladder, the seaman slipped in some hydraulic fluid that was spilled on the deck.

Slip and falls are common causes of offshore injuries, so ship owners are required to minimize the risk of these types of accidents.

Offshore Liftboats is accused of negligence for failing to provide a safe place to work and for the unseaworthy condition of the vessel. The company is also accused for breaching its absolute duty to provide Peyton with maintenance and cure.

Peyton is seeking Jones Act damages for medical costs, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, physical disfigurement, lost earnings and maintenance and cure. He is also seeking compensation for attorney's fees, interest and court costs.

The lawsuit was filed on Jan. 12 in federal court in New Orleans.