Deckhand Claims Injuries Over Defective Barge Gunnel

A man filed a personal injury suit against Inland Marine Service, claiming that a fall caused him to suffer injuries to his right knee.

According to the suit filed in Illinois’ Madison County Circuit Court on April 9, Robby Lee Harper was employed as a deckhand and member of the crew of the JB Klinepeter on June 3, when a defect in a barge gunnel caused him to fall.

Harper claims that the fall caused injuries to his right knee, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. He also claims to have experienced disability.

The suit alleges negligence on the part of Inland for failure to provide a safe workplace, safe equipment, and adequate supervision.

Harper seeks damages in excess of $100,000, plus a judgment of no less than $40 per day for maintenance from the three-count suit.