The L/B Petite
A Louisiana seaman has filed suit against his employers, alleging he did not receive proper care for his illness while offshore.
David Charbonnet filed a personal injury suit under the Jones Act against Grand Oil and Gas, Laredo Offshore Services and Laredo Offshore Constructors on Jan. 23 in Jefferson County District Court.
According to the original complaint, Charbonnet was working as a seaman on the L/B Petite in March 2007 when he began to experience severe stomach pains. The vessel is a Class 150 Lift Boat owned by Laredo Offshore for work on offshore drilling rigs and platforms.
Charbonnet says he complained of the pains and requested medical attention while the vessel was off the shore of Jefferson County, but did not receive proper care, the suit states.
Charbonnet claims he was later diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
Because he was not treated in a timely or proper fashion, Charbonnet sustained physical pain and mental anguish, according to the complaint.
He also suffered from physical impairment, discomfort, mental anguish and distress, the suit states.
Grand Oil and Gas, Laredo Offshore Services and Laredo Offshore Constructors were negligent by failing to properly supervise their crew and by failing to properly and timely respond to Charbonnet's injuries, according to the complaint.
The three companies also negligently failed to properly train employees, failed to provide proper safety equipment, failed to provide a safe workplace and failed to render timely and adequate medical care, the suit states.
Charbonnet is seeking a judgment in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs, maintenance and cure, attorney's fees and other relief to which he may be entitled.
He is represented by Cory D. Itkin, Michael E. Pierce and Jason A. Itkin of Houston.
The case has been assigned to Judge Gary Sanderson of the 60th District Court.
Case No. B183-104