Johnson v. American Pile Driving Co., Inc.

OPINION

BEEKS, Senior District Judge.

Johnson brings this action, seeking to recover as a member of the crew of the defendant’s barge SNOHOMISH, for personal injuries suffered in a fall aboard that vessel. The resolution of Johnson’s status necessitates exploration of the marginal reach of protection afforded to members of the crew of a vessel under the Jones Act and the general maritime law.

The salient facts of the case may be summarized as follows: Defendant, American Pile Driving Co., Inc. (“American”) is a marine construction company of which Johnson was an employee. During the spring of…