US Sup Crt: Dredge is Vessel Under Longshore Act

The Supreme Court of the United States held that the owner of a dredge is the owner of a vessel subject to the provisions of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). In Stewart v. Dutra Construction Co., No. 03814, 02/22/2005, Stewart was hired by Dutra Construction Co. (Dutra) to maintain the mechanical systems of a dredge (the Super Scoop) used to dig trenches. Stewart was severely injured while repairing a scow's engine when the Super Scoop and the scow collided, causing Stewart to fall headfirst onto the deck. Stewart sued Dutra under the Jones Act (alleging a neg...