Weeks Marine, Inc. v. Garza

joined by Justice HECHT, Justice WAINWRIGHT, Justice GREEN, Justice JOHNSON, and Justice WILLETT.

Justice Story’s term for seamen, “wards of the admiralty,” describes the law’s belief that workers in the industry are susceptible to unique perils for which special accommodation is required. The common law has long compelled a seaman’s employer to provide maintenance (food and lodging) and cure (necessary medical services) when a seaman is hurt while working on his employer’s vessel. An employer that does not provide these essentials is liable not only for maintenance and cure, but also…