Seaman sues after struck in head by barge

A Louisiana resident has filed a lawsuit against his employer after he sustained injuries due to being struck in the head by a barge.

Darrell Walker filed suit against Mc-OO Inc. on July 23 in Jefferson County District Court.

According to the complaint, the accident occurred on June 11 as Walker was untying a barge from a skiff that had been loaded by him and fellow crewmembers.

Walker states he sustained serious injuries when the barge he had untied struck him in the head.

The defendant is accused of negligence and gross negligence for failing to train employees, failing to properly maneuver the skiff and barge, failing to maintain a safe work environment, failing to warn of the danger, failing to maintain a workplace free from unnecessary hazards and failing to respond to complaints of an unnecessary and dangerous hazard.

Walker is seeking damages for physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, distress, loss of earnings, medical expenses, punitive damages, maintenance and cure, interest and court costs.

He is represented by Houston attorney Kurt B. Arnold and M. Paul Skrabanek of Arnold & Itkin.

Jury trial requested.

Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. B187-367