A seaman is claiming inadequate lighting caused him to fall and injure his back while serving aboard a ship off the Gulf Coast.
Seeking $500,000 in damages, Gary Sheppard is suing Aramark Corp. and Noble Drilling Corp. He claims the companies' negligence caused him to trip and fall.
Sheppard's lawsuit was filed under the Jones Act in U.S. District Court, Beaumont Division, on July 23.
According to Sheppard's suit, on Aug. 3, 2005, he was a serving aboard a Noble vessel performing his regular duties when he injured his left shoulder, upper back, ribs and left knee.
"The plaintiff has undergone two shoulder surgeries and one knee surgery," the suit says.
"The plaintiff's injuries were caused as a result of inadequate lighting and unsafe work conditions when he was working in poorly lit conditions which caused him to fall. The injury was caused by the negligence of the defendants."
In his suit, Sheppard alleges the defendants failed in their duty to provide him with a safe and seaworthy vessel.
He is also suing for past and future medical expenses and lost wages.
Sheppard is represented by attorney Dennis Brown.
Case No. 1:08-cv-00401-RC