O'Connor v. Panama Canal Co.

This is an action by a seaman to recover unearned wages in the sum of $164.51 for the period commencing with the date of illness until the date he obtained other employment. (The plaintiff was paid for maintenance and cure during that period.)

There are two main issues:(1) Is a seaman entitled to unearned wages when, after signing shipping articles for a foreign voyage for an agreed period of time, he works for two days while the ship is in port and then leaves the vessel and signs off due to illness (without willful misbehavior or misconduct) prior to the vessel’s departure from the port?(2)…