Dean v. Fishing Co. of Alaska, Inc.

Leach, A.C.J.

¶1 In this case of first impression, we must decide whether the usual summary judgment standard applies to a seaman’s pretrial motion to reinstate maintenance and cure. Ian Dean appeals a trial court decision denying his pretrial motion. He contends that a more lenient standard should apply given the solicitude courts have traditionally afforded seamen seeking compensation for maritime injuries. While we are sensitive to this special solicitude, we hold the trial court correctly applied the summary judgment standard to deny Dean’s motion.

¶2 Dean also claims the trial court erred…