Mariner files suit after winch accident

A seaman has filed suit against his employer after reportedly suffering serious permanent injuries to his hand in a winch accident.

On April 19. 2010, Calvin Dumas, who worked as a cook, deckhand and crane operator on the L/B Miss Polly, was using the vessel's winch to lower a water pump into the water. Suddenly, the winch handle broke and the tension from the pump's weight spun the handle into his hand and fingers.

Dumas filed suit against his employer, A.M.C. Liftboats, in New Orleans federal court on April 11. He seeks loss of income, wages and earning capacity, physical and mental pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and medical expenses.

The defendant is charged with negligence for failure to provide a safe working place, failure to properly supervise and maintain appropriate safety standards, and failure to provide proper equipment, among other charges.

Source: Louisiana Record