Casino housekeeper claims injuries from bending over

A housekeeper on Harrah's Metropolis Riverboat Casino filed a Jones Act suit in U.S. District Court claiming severe and permanent injuries from bending over, and raising back up again.

Shirley Faulkner is seeking $150,000 in damages and $40 per day for maintenance and cure for a workplace accident that happened March 1, 2004.

Faulkner, represented by Craig Jensen of the Lakin Law Firm in Wood River, claims the the casino failed to provide her a safe place to work.

She claims Harrah's, which floats on the Ohio River, violated the Jones Act by failing to provide reasonably safe tools and equipment, sufficient and competent assistance in the performance of her duties, and sufficient and competent supervision and training.

According to the complaint, Faulkner sustained severe and permanent injuries to neck and back, lost wages, experienced pain and suffering, became obligated for medical expenses and has sustained a disability.

"The Defendant breached its warranty of seaworthiness in that Defendant's vessel, equipment and/or appurtenances were at that time unseaworthy and not reasonably fit for their intended purpose," the complaint states.

The case has been assigned to District Judge Phil Gilbert.