Deckhand on Riverboat Casino Didn't Qualify as Seaman Under Jones Act

A divided Louisiana appellate court ruled that a deckhand injured while working aboard a riverboat casino was not a seaman covered by the Jones Act because the boat was not a vessel covered by the maritime law. Case: Benoit v. St. Charles Gaming Co., No. 17-101, 11/08/2017, published. Facts: Carl Benoit worked as a deckhand for the St. Charles Gaming Co. aboard the Grand Palais Casino, a riverboat casino moored in Lake Charles. The Grand Palais was built as a riverboat casino in conformity with the requirements of Louisiana law that authorize gaming activities on vessels that sail...