Deckhand hurt after falling in manhole files Jones Act lawsuit

A deckhand who was hurt after allegedly falling in a manhole at night claims his employer did not provide him with a flashlight.

Johnny C. Doll, Jr. accuses Boh. Bros. Construction Company (“New Orleans’ Largest Construction Company”) of negligence and an unseaworthy vessel for failure to provide a flashlight or illumination to see in a darkened area in his Jones Act suit filed May 9 in New Orleans federal court.

Doll claims he asked for a flashlight but was never provided one. He then fell onto the deck of a barge because of an open manhole or some other object unseen in the dark.

The barge was used by the defendant for construction of the new Interstate 10 across Lake Pontchartrain, La.

The accident allegedly occurred Dec. 21, 2010.

Doll asks for over $750,000 in damages for pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of physical function, loss of earnings, maintenance and cure and interest.

Source: Louisiana Record