ST LOUIS, MO (May 27, 2014) — The Jones Act attorneys at SL Chapman, LLC are pleased to announce a $2,888,888.00 million dollar jury verdict in favor of our clients, Robert Newson III and Amanda Newsom. “This is a great verdict in a conservative jurisdiction,” said Brad Lakin of SL Chapman LLC. "Paul Johnson, Rob Evola and our entire team did a fantastic job representing the wonderful Newsom family," he said.
Robert Newsom was working for JanTran, Inc., which operates various tugboat vessels on the inland waters of the U.S. While working to re-wire the engine room of the M/V Riverton (a vessel owned by JantTran that had been removed from service for repairs), Newsom stepped on an unsecured deck plate in the engine room, which gave way, causing him to fall through and suffer a leg injury.
Newsom would have been protected from injury if JanTran had followed its own safety policy and fastened down deck plates in the work area — eliminating the safety hazard leading to Newsom's injuries.
Instead, JanTran argued that Newsom wasn't entitled to Jones Act protection because the M/V Riverton was under repair and not in service at the time of the incident. SL Chapman LLC disagreed and filed a lawsuit against Jantran seeking to enforce Newsom's rights under the Jones Act and general maritime law.
Following trial, the Court agreed that JanTran failed to provide a safe work environment and awarded Mr. Newsom the following damages: $1,836,668.00 million for economic loss; $138,000.00 for future medical expenses; $792,000.00 for past and future mental anguish and suffering and feelings of economic insecurity; and $250,000.00 for past and future pain and suffering. The jury reduced the gross award by 56% for Newsom’s comparative fault.
“While no amount of money can change the past, it will help to provide our client with a brighter, more secure future. And, we are honored to have been able to protect Newsoms’ future by enforcing his rights under the Jones Act,” said attorney Paul Johnson.
About SL Chapman LLC
SL Chapman LLC has been protecting maritime workers for years — seeking justice for maritime workers that are injured or killed on the job.
The Jones Act attorneys at SL Chapman LLC concentrate in maritime law — a diverse area of law that governs all accidents occurring on inland, coastal and ocean navigable waterways, including injuries aboard sea-going vessels, cruise ships, yachts, ferries, tugs, barges, oil rigs, riverboats, pilot boats and fishing boats.
Cause No. 2:12-CV-150-MPM-JMV, Newsom v. Jantran, Inc., In the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi — Delta Division.
Company Name: SL Chapman LLC
Contact Person: Brad Lakin
Email:Send Email
Phone: (314) 588-9300
Country: United States
Website: http://greatinjurylawyers.com
Source: www.abnewswire.com
