While severing as a cook aboard a drilling rig owned and operated by Rowan Drilling Co., Paul Perronne claims he was injured. He is invoking the Jones Act and suing Rowan and Sodexho for $1 million in damages.
The lawsuit, filed with the Jefferson County District Court on Sept. 25, does not give any specifics on how Perronne was injured. Perronne is also suing his employer, Universal Sodexho Inc.
The suit only says Perronne suffered permanent injuries on July 18 because the vessel he was serving on was unseaworthy, the vessel's crew was poorly trained and that the defendants are negligent for failing to provide him with a safe place to work.
"At the time of the incident, Plaintiff was a healthy, able-bodied working man," the suit said. "He has suffered and will continue to suffer physical impairment. Because of the actions and conduct of Defendants, Plaintiff has sustained very painful and disabling physical injuries which have caused him to sustain a loss of earnings and wage earning capacity in the past, and this condition will with reasonable probability exist into the future."
"It is yet too early to ascertain the full extent of the damages sustained by Plaintiff, but they are clearly in excess of the sum of $1,000,000, exclusive of interest and costs, and Plaintiff specifically reserves the right to amend this pleading for a certain amount in the future," the suit said.
According to the company's Web site, Sodexho is the leading food and facilities management services company in North America and a member of Sodexho Alliance.
"Every day, more than 110,000 employees work to improve the quality of daily life for our clients and customers all over the U.S. and Canada. We offer a full range of outsourcing solutions to the corporate, healthcare, and education markets, including food services, housekeeping, grounds keeping, plant operations and maintenance, and integrated facilities management," the site states.
The plaintiff is also suing for past and future mental anguish, physical pain and medical expenses.
The plaintiff is represented by Brian Beckcom, attorney for the Vujasinovic & Beckcom law firm.
Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th Judicial District, will preside over the case.
Case No. B180-319