Chavez v. Zapata Ocean Resources, Inc.

Opinion

BUTLER, J.

Felix Pedro Chavez, a crewman on a tuna seiner, owned by Zapata Ocean Resources, Inc. (Zapata), was injured at sea when a tuna fell from a net being winched aboard the vessel and broke his left arm. The jury returned a verdict in his favor for $150,000. Zapata appeals claiming the court erred in permitting an unsigned deposition to be read to the jury, in keeping portions of Chavez’ deposition from the jury, and the jury verdict was excessive.

I

Rafael Lobo Benavides, a Costa Rican national, was deck boss on the seiner at the time of the accident. He was in port for a couple of…