At Breit Biniazan, our focus goes beyond winning cases. We work to make sure every client has the best chance for maximum recovery. Each case is a chance to hold companies accountable and protect families who have suffered from workplace negligence. Our commitment to justice drives everything we do.
Kevin Biniazan, a trial lawyer with over $500 million recovered in verdicts and settlements, is representing the Oakey family in a wrongful death lawsuit against Colonna’s Shipyard. This case demonstrates the devastating consequences of workplace accidents and the importance of experienced legal representation when lives are forever changed.
Kenny Oakey, a maintenance mechanic, suffered catastrophic injuries while working on a barge at Colonna’s Shipyard on September 30, 2023. His shift had barely begun when he sustained massive brain damage, multiple fractures in his spine, 11 broken ribs, a crushed collarbone, and severe bruising across his neck, back, and chest.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Colonna’s reported that Kenny Oakey’s condition was the result of a fall from a ladder. Two weeks later, Kenny tragically passed away at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
Kevin Biniazan, representing the Oakey family, explains the complexity and seriousness of the case:
“How does a man fall from supposedly a ladder and have skull fractures? Rib fractures, spinal fractures all throughout his body, and we have no way to explain it, so we need answers.”
The family has filed a $45 million lawsuit seeking compensation for wrongful death and holding Colonna’s Shipyard accountable for the unsafe conditions that led to Kenny Oakey’s death.
The lawsuit alleges that Colonna’s failed to maintain a safe work environment and ignored known risks on the barge. An investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identified five serious violations, including:
OSHA issued fines totaling $55,000. While these citations recognize the seriousness of the safety failures, they do not fully capture the harm suffered by the Oakey family.
The Oakey case presents unique challenges. Key moments of the accident were not captured on surveillance video, leaving critical questions about how the injury occurred. Kevin Biniazan emphasizes the need for transparency:
Biniazan emphasizes the importance of transparency:
“[I’d expect] some affirmative level of communication, some sharing of documentation, some confirmation of what happened or didn’t happen. Right now, it’s almost a situation of make us tell you.”
The lawsuit will seek to uncover the full facts behind Kenny Oakey’s death, aiming to ensure the family receives both accountability and justice.
The Oakey family’s wrongful death lawsuit is scheduled to move to trial by late next year. Breit Biniazan is committed to representing their interests with diligence and compassion. We aim to fully tell Kenny Oakey’s story in court and to hold Colonna’s Shipyard responsible for the preventable tragedy.
Families facing similar workplace injuries or wrongful death claims can rely on experienced attorneys to fight for their rights. At Breit Biniazan, we are dedicated to pursuing justice for those who have suffered due to negligence.
