TAMPA – A civilian contractor alleges he was injured aboard a federally owned vessel because he was not provided a safe place to work.
Eric Rodriguez filed a complaint on March 30 in the Tampa Division of the Middle District of Florida against United States of America alleging that the vessel owner failed to provide and maintain a safe and seaworthy vessel.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Sept. 16, 2015, he was employed by Pacific Architects and Engineers as a civilian contractor aboard the USNS or M/V Ranger, which is owed by the defendant. He alleges he injured his back because he was trying to hold a heavy fender to keep it from falling into the water by himself. He alleges he was caused to suffer physical pain, mortification, humiliation, embarrassment, lost earnings, aggravation of prior condition, mental anguish and incurred hospital expenses.
The plaintiff holds United States of America responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to ensure proper and immediate medical care to avoid aggravation of injury, and failed to hire an adequate number of crew members, and failed to provide a safe place to work.
The plaintiff seeks judgment against defendant together with interest, costs, attorney's fees, and expenses. He is represented by Roland A. Rosello of Law Office of Roland A. Rosello in Tampa and Dennis M. O'Brian of O'Brian Baun Karamanian in Birmingham, Michigan.
Tampa Division of the Middle District of Florida Case number 8:17-cv-00753