Louisiana Seaman Files Jones Act Lawsuit

New Orleans, LAA seaman from Louisiana recently filed a Jones Act lawsuit against his former employer.

Byron Williams filed the lawsuit against Kyle Wilson, Swiftships Shipbuilders and FJN Contractors for the alleged back injuries he suffered, reports the Louisiana Record.

According to the lawsuit, Williams says he was injured on July 16 while on board a Boston Whaler that was owned and operated by Swiftships Shipbuilders. He claims that the defendants were negligent in not providing a safe work environment and not providing an adequately trained crew, although the suit does not detail the accident.

Specifically, Williams claims that his employers provided an unseaworthy vessel, which caused him to suffer a herniated disc, back strain, contusions and abrasions and a concussion.

The plaintiff is seeking $1.8 million for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, mental anguish, emotional stress and strain, loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life and maintenance and cure.

The Jones Act allows seaman to sue their employers over injuries sustained while at sea.