Maritime News

Seaman Sues After Offshore Slip and Fall Accident

Posted on Apr 04, 2011

A seaman in seeking $1.5 million in damages after being seriously injured in an offshore slip and fall accident. The Jones Act lawsuit was filed on March 23 in federal court in New Orleans.

The maritime accident occurred on July 25, 2010. Jeremy Madison was working aboard the Liftboat Talapia, a vessel owned by the Hercules Drilling Company. At the time of the accident, Madison was ordered to leave the ship and go to the dock in order to strap a steel drum to the vessel's crane. As Madison tried to cross from the vessel to the dock, he slipped and fell into the water.

Madison claims that the distance from the vessel to the dock was too far to cross safely and that he sustained neck and back injuries as a result of his fall. He is accusing Hercules Drilling Company of failing to provide a proper gangway for crew members and of causing his injuries through negligence.

Madison is seeking $1.5 million in damages, including compensation for his medical expenses, pain and suffering, disability, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, maintenance and cure, punitive damages, and penalties, attorney's fees, court costs and interest.