Fishing vessel crewman sues for back injuries

A seaman is suing his employer for injuries sustained aboard a fishing vessel.

Sunnie Listen Johnson filed the case last month against Omega Protein in New Orleans federal court. His complaint states that he suffered possible herniated or ruptured disks from an incident aboard the F/V Willard P. Leboeuf on April 20, 2010.

Johnson alleges his injuries were caused by the employer's use of unskilled employees while he was assisting in making a set.

The defendant is charged with the following: negligence in failing to provide a safe working place, not warning about the presence of oily substances on the deck, an unseaworthy vessel, using careless and unskilled workers, failing to clean or remedy a hazardous condition, failure to provide medical care and breach of legally imposed duties.

Johnson seeks damages for physical pain and mental anguish, medical expenses, disability, maintenance and cure, punitive damages, court costs, interest and attorney's fees.

Source: Louisiana Record