Stephens v. Inland Tugs Co.

Mr. JUSTICE GEORGE J. MORAN

delivered the opinion of the court:

Defendant appeals from a judgment of the circuit court of Madison County, wherein the trial court denied the defendant’s post-trial motion after a jury rendered a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for *85,000 in an action based on negligence under the Jones Act (46 U.S.C. §688 (1970)) and unseaworthiness under General Maritime Law. *

Plaintiff James Stephens was employed as a deckhand by defendant Inland Tugs Company. His duties apparently consisted of periodic watches and other general responsibilities in connection with the operation…