Manhat v. United States
Manhat v. United States
Opinion of the Court
This is a motion for an order modifying and amending the pre-trial order signed by Goddard, D. J., in the above-entitled matter on September 22,1952, so as to include as an issue the unseaworthiness of “the lifeboat and all appurtenances and safety devices in connection therewith and therein,” and an order, signed on consent of the attorneys for all of the parties by Clark, C. J., “that the Trial Judge be directed to give further consideration to the.cause in the light of the decision in the suit of Pope
The action was a consolidated one against the United States as owner of a ship, and the Project Construction Corporation which contracted with the owner for its repair, as well as an impleaded subcontractor, Stuart Marine Corporation, brought by employees of Stuart for injuries sustained while they were working in a lifeboat which was suspended over the side of the ship and directly over a pier at which the ship was moored. The lifeboat fell, after which it was found that the release handle used for disengaging the lifeboat from its falls had been pulled up and over. On June 30, 1953, this court found that respondents were not negligent with findings of fact, conclusions of law and discussion reported in 113 F.Supp. 595.
At the outset, there is serious doubt whether this court has power to amend the pre-trial order or modify its decree. The pre-trial order was made on consent by another district court judge more than fifteen months before the present application. Application is now made more than six months after disposition of the cause after trial on its merits. There is no allegation of mistake in making findings of fact or conclusions of law.
Assuming then that this court has the power, the motion to amend the pretrial order is granted, inasmuch as respondent United States is agreeable, and another, the Project Construction Corporation feels that its liability cannot be affected by any determination with respect to unseaworthiness. Assuming further power to reconsider the issue of unseaworthiness upon the direction herein made and acknowledging that under the decision in Pope & Talbot, Inc., v. Hawn,
Supplementary Finding of Fact
S1. The lifeboat and its equipment at the time of entry by libelants were in proper order, free from defect, not shown to be lacking a toggle or keeper pin in the releasing gear and in all respects seaworthy.
Supplementary Conclusion of Law
SI. Libelants have failed to sustain the burden of proof of unseaworthiness.
Decree accordingly.
. Cf. rules 60, 75, Fed.Rules Civ.Proc., 28 U.S.C.A.
. Pope & Talbot, Inc., v. Hawn, 346 U.S. 406, 74 S.Ct. 202.
. Cf. The American Shipper, 2 Cir., 70 F.2d 632; Baltimore S.S. Co. v. Phillips, 2 Cir., 9 F.2d 902.
. 346 U.S. 406, 74 S.Ct. 202.
. See Lynch v. U. S., 2 Cir., 163 F.2d 97, 99.
Reference
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- MANHAT v. UNITED STATES
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