Reese B. Mitchell - On June 24, 2019, the United States Supreme Court ruled mariners’ unseaworthiness claims are ineligible for punitive damages. The Dutra Grp. v. Batterton, No. 18-266, 2019 WL 2570621 (U.S. June 24, 2019). In a 6-3 ruling, Justice Alito’s authored decision reversed the Ninth Circuit’s practice of granting punitive damages in claims based on … [Read more...]
U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down Jones Act Seaman’s Bid for Punitive Damages in Personal Injury Suit
The U.S. Supreme Court has resolved split circuit court decision sin the personal injury case of Dutra Group v. Batterton, ruling that an injured Jones Act seaman cannot recover punitive damages on a common-law maritime claim of unseaworthiness. In a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court rejected deckhand Christopher Batterton's bid to lodge a claim for punitive damages in a lawsuit … [Read more...]
EU Condemns Russian Arrest of Lithuanian Fishing Vessel
The European Union appealed to Russian authorities demanding the immediate release of Lithuanian fishing boat Juros Vilkas, detained in the Barents Sea on suspicion of poaching. In a posted statement, the EU External Action Service commented on situation: "We are concerned by the forced apprehension of the Lithuanian fishing vessel "J?ros Vilkas" by Russian border guards in … [Read more...]
Blank Rome Named Best Admiralty and Maritime Law Firm
NEW YORK-- US News and World report has released the results for 2013 “Best Law Firm”, naming Blank Rome LLP as the top firm for Admiralty and Maritime Law. “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of … [Read more...]
I’m On A Boat… Or Am I? Age-Old Debate Goes Before Supreme Court
By Brent Kendall Maritime law is as old as the republic, yet we continue to argue about what counts as a boat. The Supreme Court was home to that debate Monday as the justices heard arguments to decide if a Florida floating home was a vessel. Arguing yes was the city of Riviera Beach, which in 2009 used federal maritime law to have the structure "arrested" and towed away … [Read more...]