Aquaculture Workers are Excluded from Longshore Benefits

Claimant filed a claim for hearing loss against Ingalls Shipbuilding, whom he worked for as a pipefitter in 1944, and Clark Seafood, which employed Claimant... More

Great Law Review Article: Professor LeCesne’s “Crude Decisions” Is Slick

Professor Blaine LeCesne of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law recently published an excellent article in the Michigan State Law Review that is... More

Court Rejects Plaintiff’s Lack of Notice Argument

Plaintiff was working on a barge owned by Defendant when he was injured by a spew rod.  Plaintiff filed suit alleging negligence and unseaworthiness. ... More

Keeping Good Witness Statements From Going Bad

When a marine casualty occurs, attorneys and adjusters are often dispatched to investigate the cause of the accident and assess the extent of damage... More

First Circuit: Neither Suicide Nor Misadventure Fall Within the Scope of the Zone of Special Danger Doctrine

Decedent was employed on a secure military base in Saudi Arabia.  One morning, his on-site girlfriend discovered Decedent’s body hanging from a noose.  Decedent... More

The Fourth Amendment Rights vs. Boarding Power of the United States Coast Guard

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated,... More

Court Enforces a “No Reemployment” Provision in a Longshore Settlement

California’s Second Appellate District issued an interesting unpublished case.  In Homeport Insurance Services, Inc. v. Lundy, the court addressed whether a “no reemployment” provision... More

Punitive Damages Awarded Against a Jones Act Seaman

In what is believed to be a case of first impression, a jury in federal court in Illinois has awarded punitive damages against a... More

When Does a Negligent Act Become Intentional?

When a non-seaman worker is injured on the job in Louisiana, whether he is working a “land- based” job or working as a longshoreman... More

Cook Lacks Seaman Status

Plaintiff, who worked as a cook on a barge, evacuated the barge because of a fire.  He injured his neck and back while jumping from the... More