Federal Court Finds Volunteer Firefighter Entitled to Warranty of Seaworthiness

A federal appellate court ruled that a volunteer firefighter injured while responding to a boat fire on the Hudson River was entitled to the warranty of seaworthiness and that his receipt of compensation under New York’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law did not bar his negligence claim under general maritime law. Case: In re: In the Matter of the Complaint of Verplanck Fire District, No. 23-1218, 04/30/2026, published. Facts: Troy Dyckman served as a volunteer firefighter with the Verplanck Fire District. Dyckman injured his foot while traveling aboard a ship owned b...