A Texas man is suing the owner of a ship on which he claims he ingested food carrying the botulism toxin.
Sherman Armstrong, of Lufkin, Texas, filed a complaint on June 26 in Madison County Circuit Court against Magnolia Marine Transport.
On Jan. 10, Armstrong was a seaman aboard the ship Miles Madison when he allegedly ate food that contained the botulism toxin, causing him to suffer a life-threatening infection, according to the lawsuit.
Through counts of maritime negligence, unseaworthiness and maintenance and cure, the defendant is accused of causing the conditions that led to the plaintiff ingesting botulism, the suit states.
As a result, Armstrong claims he suffered "career-ending, debilitating, painful and unfortunate injuries and damages," including pain and suffering and medical expenses.
The plaintiff seeks damages of more than $150,000, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys' fees and court costs.
The plaintiff is represented by Allyson M. Romani of Shrader and Associates LLP in Glen Carbon.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 15-L-813.