Wednesday, October 7, 2020

US Federal Government Settle Jones Act Lawsuit for $2 Million

 

A 58-year-old civilian maritime worker received a Jones Act settlement after being seriously injured while working aboard a United States military ship in the port of Jangu, South Korea.

The accident happened on August 2, 2010, onboard the S.S. Cape Jacob, a prepositioning ship operated by the Military Sealift Command.  The man said he was ordered to secure mooring lines to the dock, but the captain of the ship ordered a tug, towing the ship into the dock, to pull away before the man was able to fully secure the mooring lines. This reportedly caused one of the lines to break and then snap back, striking the seamen. He suffered a brain injury and compound fractures in this incident.

A lawsuit was filed against the federal government, which alleged negligence under the Jones Act. This lawsuit sought damages for past and future pain and suffering, medical bills, lost income, and physical impairment but never went to trial and was instead settled for $2 million.


Ian Greenway