Diver files injury suit after excessive air tool use

Though Michael Thumm’s job was listed as a diver aboard the D/S/V (diving support vessel) Joanne Morrison, he says he was forced to use a needle gun like a deck hand for several 12 hour days with very few breaks.

A needle gun is a pneumatic tool with long rods, or “needles,” that excessively vibrate to knock out rust on steel.

Even though he claims he reported injuries to his hands and wrists to his employer on Oct. 12, 2010, the response was to take him off that duty and work him another shift for painting and other jobs that only exacerbated the injuries.

On May 23, 2011,Thumm filed a suit for negligence against his former employer, Chet Morrison Contractors, for the disabling injuries he suffered on the vessel. The suit was filed in federal court in New Orleans.

The lawsuit states that the defendants have refused to authorize and pay for surgery that doctors have recommended for Thumm.

He seeks damages for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, disability, loss of income, permanent physical impairment and several other damages.

Source: Louisiana Record