Essary v. Louisiana Dock Co.

Mr. JUSTICE GEORGE J. MORAN

delivered the opinion of the court:

Defendant Louisiana Dock Company appeals from the judgment of the circuit court of Madison County entered upon a jury verdict awarding $37,500 to plaintiff Thomas Essary for injuries he received while in defendant’s employ. Plaintiff brought this action pursuant to the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (46 U.S.C. §688 (1970)). Plaintiff’s complaint sought damages for loss of portions of two fingers which he alleged was caused by the negligence of defendant and/or the unseaworthiness of its vessel.

The incident giving rise to plaintiff’s…