Agent files suit after smashing head on pipe while trying to leave the vessel

A ship's agent reportedly injured after hitting his head on overhead piping while leaving the vessel has filed a lawsuit.

Details of the incident are allegedly as follows: Rex Navarro, an employee of General Steamship Agencies Inc, was escorted onto the S/S Luigi Lagrande by a crewmember on April 30, 2011. While walking to his destination among the upper cabins, he was led along a route that forced him to pass underneath and bend over piping and other obstacles on the deck.

While departing the vessel, Navarro followed the same route as when he came aboard and ended up striking his head.

The defendant is Carabonour S.p.A., which is accused of negligence for lack of adequate equipment and personnel aboard the vessel, for forcing visitors to use an unsafe route, not escorting visitors along a safe and reasonable route and failure to warn or train about unsafe conditions.

Navarro asks for compensation for physical and mental pain and suffering, anguish, loss of wages and future earnings capability, disability and disfigurement, permanent residual disability, loss of enjoyment of life, interest and court costs.

The case was filed June 21 in federal court in New Orleans.

Source: The Louisiana Record