Florida Seaman Sues Morrison Contractors After Tripping on Defective Wooden Spool and Falling Aboard Barge 1
Daniel E. Smith, a resident of Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Morrison Contractors, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 0:26-cv-61763-MD, alleges that Smith suffered severe, permanent physical injuries after tripping on an unsafe wooden spool used as a makeshift step while working aboard the vessel known as Barge 1 on June 26, 2024.
Maritime Worker Injured Aboard Barge 1 Due to Dangerous Wooden Spool Lacking Proper Stairs
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while Smith was performing his duties in navigable waters as a crew member and crane operator in the service of Barge 1. To get on and off the crane, workers were forced to utilize a wooden cable spool placed by Morrison Contractors, Inc. On the day of the incident, as Smith descended from the crane onto the spool, his boot became caught on prominent bolts protruding from its surface. This caused him to lose his footing and fall heavily onto the deck of the barge. The lawsuit asserts that Smith and other crew members had previously requested that the company replace the hazardous wooden spool with proper, safe stairs to allow reasonable access to the crane, but these requests were ignored.
Morrison Contractors Accused of Negligence Under Jones Act for Failing to Provide Safe Workplace
The lawsuit brings forward a claim of Jones Act negligence against Morrison Contractors, Inc., stating that the company had a duty to provide its workers with a reasonably safe place to work. Smith alleges that the employer breached this duty by failing to install proper stairs, steps, or a ladder to safely bridge the gap between the crane and the barge deck. By utilizing a defective wooden spool with dangerous protruding bolts, the company exposed its crew to severe tripping and falling hazards. The complaint states that the company failed to properly inspect, maintain, and secure the work area, directly causing the incident.
Complaint Alleges Unseaworthiness Under General Maritime Law for Unfit Vessel Equipment
In addition to negligence, the complaint alleges a count of unseaworthiness under General Maritime Law against the vessel owner. The legal team argues that Morrison Contractors, Inc., as the owner or owner pro hac vice of Barge 1, failed to maintain the vessel, its gear, equipment, and appurtenances in a condition fit for their intended purpose. Because the primary means to ascend and descend from the crane relied on a hazardous, makeshift object rather than a standard marine ladder or stairs, the vessel itself is alleged to have been unseaworthy, creating an unsafe operating environment for the maritime workers onboard.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Fractures, Long-Term Medical Expenses, and Maintenance and Cure
As a result of the fall, Smith allegedly sustained serious and permanent personal injuries, including fractures to his humerus, along with substantial damage to his back and shoulder. The lawsuit states that Smith has suffered severe physical pain, mental anguish, and lost time from his usual employment and daily activities. He is seeking financial compensation determined by a jury for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and general damages. Additionally, under General Maritime Law, Smith brings a claim for maintenance and cure, demanding that the defendant pay for his daily living expenses and ongoing medical treatments until he reaches maximum medical improvement.
Contact a Cruise Ship and Maritime Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Injured Working on a Vessel
Maritime workers and crew members injured while working aboard barges, cruise ships, or commercial vessels due to unsafe gear, makeshift equipment, or poor workplace safety standards may be entitled to significant financial recovery. Maritime employers and vessel owners are bound by strict federal laws to ensure their ships and equipment are completely safe and seaworthy. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to an unmaintained deck, unsafe boarding stairs, or a maritime employer’s negligence, reach out to our team of skilled maritime personal injury lawyers today to explore your legal options and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us now to speak with a maritime attorney.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
