Rich v. North Atlantic & Gulf S.S. Co.
Rich v. North Atlantic & Gulf S.S. Co.
Opinion of the Court
The opinion filed by this Court, dated August 17, 1948, 86 F.Supp. 989, is adopted herein as to each and every Findings of Fact from one to eight, inclusive and Finding of Fact No. 9 is to be stricken and the following Finding made in lieu thereof:
9. The libellant in opening the bottle of rum did not commit such an act of gross misconduct or insubordination as would deny him recovery for maintenance and cure.
Conclusions of Law.
1. This court has jurisdiction of the parties and the cause of action.
2. Under the law and the evidence the verdict shall be for the plaintiff.
Discussion
It would serve no useful purpose to recite the numerous cases covering the right to maintenance and cure on the part of a seaman for in reviewing the factual circumstances in themselves, there has been a wide diversity of opinion with respect to interpreting them in the light of the general rule of law that in the absence of “gross acts of indiscretion” and “wilful misconduct”, recovery should be allowed. The Berwindglen, 1 Cir., 88 F.2d 125, 1937 A.M.C. 347; Jackson v. Pittsburgh S. S. Co., 6 Cir., 131 F.2d 668, 1943 A.M.C. 885.
However, this court reverses its previous finding in the light of William Farrell v. United States of America, War Shipping Administration, Luckenbach S. S. Co. Inc.
Accordingly, recovery for maintenance and cure is allowed and if counsel are in agreement, an order may be presented and if not, a date set for hearing.
. No opinion for publication.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- RICH v. NORTH ATLANTIC & GULF S.S. CO.
- Status
- Published