Barge worker claims back injuries in suit

A man who was allegedly injured on Feb. 19, 2005, while working for Lewis & Clark Marine as a member of the crew on The M/V Velda Taylor filed suit in Madison County Circuit Court Oct. 2, seeking damages under the Jones Act.

Christopher McManus claims Lewis & Clark failed to provide adequate manpower to safely operate its vessel which allegedly caused him to suffer severe and permanent injuries to his back.

The Jones Act is a federal statute that requires vessels used to transport cargo and passengers between United States' ports be U.S. owned, built and manned.

It also allows injured sailors to obtain damages from their employers for the ship owner's negligence, the captain or fellow members of the crew.

McManus also claims Lewis & Clark failed to provide him with a reasonably safe place to work, required him to move and lift equipment that was unreasonably safe to move, failed to provide him with adequate training and safe equipment.

According to McManus, he suffers from great pain, disability, anxiety, disfigurement and has lost "great sums" of wages due to the injuries he allegedly suffered.

McManus, represented by William Gavin of Belleville, is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 plus maintenance and cure in an amount of $100 per day and to pay for all reasonable medical expenses.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Andy Matoesian.

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