Verlisha Robinson and Jouan Jackson v. American Overseas Marine and Patton Caldwell

OPINION

LAURA CARTER HIGLEY, Justice.

In this maritime case, Verleshia Robinson and Jouan Jackson sued American Overseas Marine and its employee Patton Caldwell. 1 The two defendants sought summary judgment against the plaintiffs on the ground that the plaintiffs’ claims are barred by two federal statutes: the Suits in Admiralty Act 2 and the Public Vessels Act. 3 The trial court granted the motion and rendered judgment dismissing Robinson’s and Jackson’s claims with prejudice.

On appeal, Robinson and Jackson challenge the trial court’s judgment dismissing their claims. Raising two issues, they…