Offshore oil worker alleges he was fired for being a whistleblower

An offshore oil well worker claims he was fired in retaliation for blowing the whistle on his company’s environmental and safety violations.

Toney Mitchell, plaintiff, names Morrison Energy Group and Abandonment Consulting Services (ACS) as defendants in the lawsuit.

Mitchell alleges that on Aug. 6, he was made aware of serious safety and environment issues that were being ignored that could have potentially caused an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and serious injuries to workers. The response by management was that Morrison management could leave the job.

He states that when he sent an email on Aug. 9 detailing the seriousness of the violations, Morrison was directed by ACS to fire him three days later.

His firing was prohibited under the Louisiana Environmental Whistleblower Statute and the Louisiana Whistleblower Act, Mitchell argues.

Mitchell seeks triple damages for lost wages, humiliation and embarrassment, and  mental anguish and depression.

The lawsuit was filed Aug. 26 in federal court in New Orleans.

Source: Louisiana Record