Barge crew member sues after falling on slippery deck

Debra Jackman filed a Jones Act suit against American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) in U.S. District Court April 28, claiming she was injured while serving as a crew member aboard one of ACBL's vessels.

According to Jackman, she was working on the vessel Feb. 27, when because of the failure of other crewmembers to keep greas off the floor, she slipped on the unreasonably slippery surface and suffered injuries.

Jackman claims ACBL's alleged tortuous acts have caused or contributed to pain and suffering, mortification, humiliation, fright, shock, and embarrassment, loss of earnings, hospital and pharmaceutical expenses, mental anguish, aggravation of a prior condition and the inability to engage in social, recreational, and other pursuits she previously enjoyed.

Represented by Dennis O'Bryan of Birmingham, Mich., Jackman is seeking a trial by jury and judgment in her favor in excess of $75,000, together with interest, costs of the suit, attorney fees and expenses all to be methodically adjusted upwards during the pendency of this case.

The case has been assigned to Chief District Judge G. Patrick Murphy.

06-CV-337-GPM