La. Court Affirms Reduced $5.9 Million Judgment for Seaman

NEW ORLEANS - A Louisiana state appeals court has substantially affirmed a multi-million judgment in favor of a seaman who complained that he contracted a serious digestive illness from contaminated food or water and from exposure to toxic chemicals and heavy metals while on board ship. Lewis v. ODECO Inc., et al., No. 2007-CA-0497 (La. 4th Cir. Ct. App.).

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit, reduced the judgment in favor of Jimmy Lewis from $7,147,601.60 to $5,887,837.42 and against Diamond Offshore Drilling Co., which owned and/or operated the ship during the time of Lewis' alleged exposure.

Lewis filed a …