Salem v. United States Lines Co., 370 U.S. 31 (1962)

Salem v. United States Lines Co.

No. 283

Argued March 19, 1962
Decided May 28, 1962
370 U.S. 31

CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS

FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT

Syllabus

1. In this suit under the Jones Act based on unseaworthiness and negligence, seeking damages for personal injuries sustained by a seaman who fell as he went to his post in the crow’s nest,

Held: it was error for the Court of Appeals to order a new trial on the ground that a jury could not determine, in the absence of supporting testimony by an expert in naval architecture, a claim that the shipowner had failed to equip the ship with necessary and feasible safety devices to prevent such a mishap. Pp. 31-37.

2. The evidence in this record provides no support for the trial court’s award to the seaman of future maintenance for three years. Pp. 37-38.

293 F.2d 121 affirmed in part and reversed in part.