Phillip Hess v. Upper Mississippi Towing Corp. And Penlatex Barge Lines, Inc., Defendants- Fidelity & Casualty Co. Of New York, Intervenor

RONEY, Circuit Judge:

The plaintiff worked for an independent contractor employed by defendants to “free” a barge of gasoline. An explosion burned him severely, and he sued the defendants, alleging failure to provide a safe place to work, negligent employment of an independent contractor, strict liability, and negligent maintenance of dangerous premises. At the close of plaintiff’s evidence, the district court directed a verdict against him. On appeal, he alleges the district court misapplied the Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, 33 U.S. C.A. § 905(b) (Supp.1977), to…