EAST ST. LOUIS — A seaman is suing barge owner Watco Cos., after allegedly suffering injuries while working as a deckhand.
Kevin Beam filed a complaint on Oct. 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois East St. Louis against Watco Cos., alleging that the barge owner breached its duty to provide a safe working environment.
The plaintiff alleges that on Nov. 12, 2017, he was working as a deckhand on the tow boat "Idle L" when the cable connecting the dock to the mule snapped.
As a result, Beam claims he injured his back, shoulder, ribs, wrist and other parts of his body. An MRI revealed substantial damage to his spine, according to the complaint.
The plaintiff holds Watco Cos. responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to provide and maintain safe and suitable tools, machinery and equipment to do his work.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendant. He is represented by Peter J. Flowers and Jonathan P. Mincieli of Meyer & Flowers LLC in St. Charles.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois East St. Louis case number 3:18-cv-02018-SMY-DGW