Oil Worker Claimed Knee Injury Ended His Offshore Career
On Sept. 11, 2003, plaintiff Edgar Eduardo Barrera, 31, an oiler, was working in the Oregon Inlet off the coast of North Carolina on a dredge owned by Weeks Marine Inc., Cranford, N.J. He allegedly tripped and fell.
Barerra sued Weeks Marine, alleging that he fell as he was attempting to grease a piece of equipment. He claimed that weather conditions at the time were too rough for work, and that the deck was slippery and not properly painted.
Weeks Marine denied liability, claiming that the weather was average and the deck was in good condition. Defense counsel claimed that Barerra told a coworker that he fell while trying to jump over a cable, and that he had given conflicting stories about the accident.
Barerra alleged a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee, both of which required surgery. He alleged a permanently weakened knee, and that he was unable to continue working offshore. He claimed that this resulted in a severe drop in his potential future income.
Barrera was seeking an unspecified amount for past and future pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost income.
Weeks Marine disputed the lost income, claiming that he left his job for personal reasons unconnected to his injury. Defense experts claimed that Barrera’s knee was fully healed and he could return to offshore work without restrictions.
The jury found that Weeks Marine was 70 percent liable and that Barerra was 30 percent responsible.
The jury awarded $1,403,000, which was molded into $982,100 after liability apportionment.
Edgar Eduardo Barerra
$53,000 Personal Injury: Past Medical Cost
$60,000 Personal Injury: Future Medical Cost
$100,000 Personal Injury: Past Lost Earnings Capability
$340,000 Personal Injury: Future Lost Earnings Capability
$350,000 Personal Injury: Past Pain And Suffering
$300,000 Personal Injury: Future Pain And Suffering
$100,000 Personal Injury: past cure
$100,000 Personal Injury: attorney fees