Gulf oil cleanup worker files suit after knee injury

A seaman who was working in the Gulf oil spill cleanup has sued his employer for negligence after falling on a barge deck.

Fay Portier, plaintiff, filed the case July 29 in New Orleans federal court against Lafayette Workboat Rentals and Settoon Towing.

Portier alleges that on Aug. 6, 2010, while walking across a barge used for the aftermath of the BP spill, he slipped and fell onto the deck.

His right knee was shattered.

He asks compensation for physical and mental pain and impairment, disability, suffering, disfigurement, scarring, loss of earnings and wage earning capacity, medical expenses, court costs and interest.

The defendants stand accused of not providing the plaintiff with a safe working place, not properly inspecting the vessel, and a lack of safe and fit equipment and apparel.

Source: Louisiana Record