Jeffrey Lewis Harris filed a Jones Act lawsuit against Granite City-based Lewis & Clark Marine May 11 in Madison County Circuit Court seeking damages for a hand injury he sustained working on the M/V Karen Michelle.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 12, 2004, while traveling on the Mississippi River neat the LDC/ACBL terminal in St. Louis, Harris released a wench which suddenly stopped and struck his hand and caught his left thumb.
Harris claims Lewis and Clark failed to provide him with a reasonably safe place to work, suitable equipment to perform his assigned duties, adequate supervision, and adequate assistance to perform his assigned job duties.
As a result, Harris claims he suffered extensive injuries to his left thumb and hand and wrist, aggravated a condition in his left thumb, lost wages, experienced pain and suffering, incurred medical expenses, and sustained a permanent disfigurement.
Harris is seeking at least $100,000 in damages together with all costs of the suit, prejudgment interest, and any other relief the court may deem just and proper.
He also is seeking at least $40 per day for maintenance and cure alleging Lewis and Clark has failed to meet its duty under General Maritime Law to provide full and adequate maintenance and cure for injuries.
The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Philip Kardis in Granite City. Harris is represented by Christine Anderson and Fritz Faerber of St. Louis.
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Barge worker files suit for hand injury
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