Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed In Federal Court For Maintenance Worker

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Nolan Phillip Knoblock, a maintenance worker who was killed by a broken overhead crane on Oct. 30, 2010. The case was moved to federal court in New Orleans last week.

Knoblock was changing a light bulb in the West Bridge area of the LOOP Marine Terminal and was using the West Bridge Overhead Crane as a work platform to gain access to the light when the crane unexpectedly moved forward, pinning Knoblock between the crane and cable tray.

Employees tried to free Knoblock, but despite their efforts, he died as a result from the work incident.

After LOOP conducted their own investigation to the cause, it was found that a wiring problem in the crane was the cause for its defectiveness.

The Knoblock family filed the lawsuit against Offshore Process Services Inc., Konecranes Inc., Donavan Meyer Associates Inc., Oil States Martec Crane Services Inc., Oil States MCS Inc. and Oil States Industries Inc. for failing to complete a thorough inspection of the crane, claiming that the crane was safe without completing an adequate inspection, despite the fact that the wiring problem existed, and for failing to alert LOOP and other entities of the problem.

The plaintiffs are asking for an award of damages for medical expenses, loss of services and support, loss of society, care and affection, grief and mental anguish, punitive damages, interest, court costs and an award of damages for Nolan Knoblock's conscious pain and suffering prior to death.

No one should be victim to equipment malfunction, though many jobs are exposed to such negligence. If you or any one you know has been a victim of a work accident, contact the attorneys at V&B for free information and a free evaluation on how we may help. Toll Free: 888-473-1258.