Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. v. Howard

Appellee Matthew Howard asserts, and the trial court impliedly found, that general maritime law provides a unique remedy to seamen when they sue their employers in state or federal court to recover maintenance and cure (hereinafter the “Remedy”). According to Howard, the Remedy allows the trial court to grant a pretrial motion to compel the employer to pay maintenance and cure to the seaman until the maintenance-and-cure issues are finally decided by summary judgment or at trial, even if, as in today’s case, the claims will be tried to a jury. The Remedy is unusual in that it compels the…