Learness Melancon v. Insurance Company of North America and Automobile and Casualty Underwriters v. Coating Specialists, Inc.

Alleging that his work aboard the M/V SNIPE aggravated or caused his silicosis or pneumonoconiosis condition, plaintiff sued Insurance Company of North America, State Automobile and Casualty Underwriters, and Coating Specialists, Inc. for damages under the Jones Act and maintenance under the General Maritime Law. The district court granted summary judgment for the Insurance Company only and declared in its judgment “This is a final judgment within the meaning of Rule 54(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.” Defendant Coating Specialists, which had purchased Jones Act liability coverage…