Attorney Article
Supreme Court to decide availability of punitive damages for seafarer's unseaworthiness claim
ILO Shipping & Transport
Author: Michael Harowski
Michael Harowski (Partner-New Orleans) authored “Supreme Court to decide availability of punitive damages for seafarer's unseaworthiness claim” published on April 24, 2019, in the International Law Office (ILO) Shipping & Transport newsletter. The U.S. Supreme Court will soon decide whether a Jones Act seafarer can recover punitive damages in a personal injury suit based on a vessel's unseaworthiness. Michael explains that the case sets up the issue that will resolve a split among the circuit courts and provide clarity on the availability of punitive damages for seafarers in general maritime law causes of action. It is unclear how the court will rule on this long-contested issue.
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