Mariner files suit after striking head while climbing ladder

A seaman who claims he struck his head while climbing up a dangerous ladder has filed a lawsuit against his employer.

Kenyachta Shears, Jefferson Parish, La., filed the suit on July 22 in New Orleans federal court against Murmansk Shipping Co., M/V Aleksandr Suvorov, The West of England Shipowners Mutual Insurance Association (Luxembourg) and ACF Shipping & Trading Inc.

The accident allegedly occurred on July 20, 2010 aboard the M/V Aleksandr Suvorov while at the pier in Louisiana. Shears, a foreman and supervisor, alleges that the ladder enclosure was caved in and bent which posed a dangerous condition which the defendants should have either repaired or warned him about. They stand accused of failing to maintain the vessel and equipment and for not warning him about the danger.

Shears seeks compensation for physical and mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, disability and other damages.

Source: Louisiana Record