Fitzgerald v. United States Lines Co.
United States Supreme Court
374 U.S. 16, 83 S.Ct. 1646, 10 L.Ed.2d 720, 1963 AMC 1083 (1963)
- Written by Carolyn Strutton, JD
Facts
Andres San Martin (plaintiff) was a seaman working on a vessel owned by United States Lines, Co. (defendant) when he injured his back in the course of his employment. Martin sued United States Lines in federal district court, bringing claims under the Jones Act, for unseaworthiness of the vessel, and for maintenance and cure. Martin requested a jury trial for all of his claims. The trial judge granted a jury trial for the Jones Act and the unseaworthiness issue but held back the maintenance-and-cure issue for a bench trial. The jury returned a verdict for United States Lines on the Jones Act and unseaworthiness claims. The court awarded Martin $224 for his maintenance-and-cure claim. Martin appealed, alleging that he was entitled to a jury trial on the maintenance-and-cure claim. The court of appeals affirmed the decision. Martin died while his appeal was pending, and an administrator, Fitzgerald (plaintiff) was substituted in the case for him.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Black, J.)
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