The Dutra Group v. Batterton
United States Supreme Court
139 S.Ct. 2275, 204 L.Ed.2d 692, 2019 AMC 1521 (2019)

- Written by Carolyn Strutton, JD
Facts
Christopher Batterton (plaintiff) was a crew member on a vessel owned by the Dutra Group (Dutra) (defendant). Batterton’s hand was crushed by a hatch cover that blew open under pressure because the vessel lacked an exhaust mechanism for releasing pressure in the compartment below the hatch. Batterton sued Dutra in federal court for his injuries under a claim of unseaworthiness, including raising a claim for punitive damages. Dutra filed a motion to dismiss the punitive-damages claim. The district court denied the motion but granted Dutra the right to bring an interlocutory appeal on the punitive-damages issue. The court of appeals held that punitive damages were allowed for an unseaworthiness claim, and Dutra appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Alito, J.)
Dissent (Ginsburg, J.)
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