A Louisiana resident is suing Diamond Offshore Drilling and Signal International for a blow to the head he received while working aboard a docked oil platform.
John Hamdan filed his suit Oct. 15 in Jefferson County District Court.
Court papers show that on Feb. 22, 2009, Hamdan was employed by Southern Sandblasting & Coating working aboard the Ocean America, a platform owned by Diamond Offshore and docked at a facility maintained by Signal.
He was injured when "an object from the rig fell from above, striking his head and causing him to be knocked unconscious," the suit states.
"Defendants were negligent for failing to secure and inspect the rig to ascertain objects would not fall on the work area where plaintiff was working."
Hamdan claims he injured his head, neck and shoulders in the incident, court papers say.
He is suing for past and future mental anguish, medical expenses, pain, lost earnings and impairment.
Hamdan is represented by Houston attorney Matthew Shaffer of Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris.
Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. A188-617