Seaman Claims Abrupt Reversal Caused Injury

A seaman from Louisiana has filed a personal injury suit against Devall Towing and Boat Service, claiming that during the course of his employment on a boat he sustained personal injuries.

On April 24, 2006, Keith Romero, a seaman who had only a few weeks of experience, was employed on a boat owned by Devall when the captain suddenly threw the ship into reverse and caused Romero to sustain serious injuries, according to the claim he filed in the Jefferson County, Texas District Court on September 30.

According to the suit, because of the incident, Romero sustained severe injuries that have caused him to suffer pain, mental anguish, and other medical problems. 

Romero also alleges that he has suffered and will continue to suffer severe pain, physical impairment, discomfort, mental anguish, and distress. He is also claiming loss of earnings and future earning capacity as well as medical expenses.

Romero claims negligence on the part of Devall for its failure to keep its crew under proper supervision, failure to provide proper training for its employees, failure to provide adequate safety equipment, failure to provide adequate medical treatment, and failure to operate the boat in a safe manner, according to the suit. He also claims the company failed to maintain the boat and its equipment and the boat was not seaworthy.