Seaman Sues Towing Companies Over Unseaworthy Vessel

Danielle Marine Towing and Lorris G. Towing II Corp. are being sued following a seaman’s injury. 

The seaman, Paul E. Parfait, alleges that he was injured on the ship, the Luke Guidry Jr., a vessel that is owned by the towing companies.  He has made the claim that the vessel was unseaworthy at the time of his April 13th maritime accident.

The complaint states that Parfait was doing his regular job duties on the ship when he suffered severe and disabling injuries, because of unseaworthiness of the vessel.  According to Parfait, he has incurred medical expenses and has suffered physical impairment from the offshore accident.  He also claims that he has lost his ability to perform household services. However, Parfait does not give the exact details of how he was injured onboard the vessel.

Parfait’s complaint, which was filed in Jefferson County District Court, also alleges that the two towing companies are required to pay him maintenance and cure, which is compensation for injured maritime workers, but have not done so.

The injured seaman is pursing compensation that includes actual, exemplary and punitive damages, in addition to pre- and post- judgment interest, expenses and other costs he might be entitled to.

There are various laws that protect workers within the maritime industry, including the Jones Act.  For more information regarding this federal law, visit our Jones Act page, which contains additional details.