Seaman files Jones Act suit after fall on vessel

A seaman is claiming he slipped and fell because the ship he served on lacked "adequate walking and working surfaces."

Quinton Henderson filed a Jones Act suit against Prosperity Management Services with the Jefferson County District Court on Dec. 27.

According to the plaintiff's petition, sometime in April 2007 Henderson was serving aboard the Tina III, a vessel owned by Prosperity, when he fell and injured his back.

In his suit, Henderson claims Prosperity was negligent for failing to provide "adequate walking and working surfaces," an adequate crew, a seaworthy vessel, safe place to work and for failing to warn him of the dangerous condition.

"Each and all of the foregoing acts of negligence proximately caused�the personal injuries and damages sustained to plaintiff," the suit said.

Henderson is suing for past and future pain, mental anguish, lost wages, disfigurement, impairment and medical expenses.

He is demanding a trial by jury and is represented by Provost Umphrey attorney Matthew Matheny.

Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd Judicial District, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. E180-962