Shemman v. American Steamship Co.

Plaintiff brought suit for injuries allegedly sustained while he was performing his duties aboard the coal-fired steamer, Harris N. Snyder. From a jury verdict in favor of plaintiff for $750,000, defendant appeals.

Plaintiff was employed as a fireman. His duties included cleaning the grates upon which the coal burned. The grates on the Snyder were movable. A 3 to 4 foot metal bar was inserted into the front of the grate mechanism which released a catch, allowing the grates to drop and dump the ash into a pit. The lever would then be pulled back, raising the grates until they locked shut.

As…