Injured Yacht Club Worker Can't Pursue Remedy From Employer Under Admiralty Law

A California appellate court ruled that the recovery of workers’ compensation benefits was the exclusive remedy available to a yacht club employee for his on-the-job injuries. Brian Ranger worked for the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club as a maintenance worker. He suffered injuries in a fall while stepping from a dock to a boat that was in navigable waters. Ranger received workers’ compensation benefits from the club. He also filed a suit under federal admiralty law against the club. The club demurred, and a state trial court judge sustained the demurrer. The Court of Appeal for the 2...