The United States Supreme Court heard oral argument on March 25, 2019 in the matter of The Dutra Group v Batterton, which case now stands submitted for decision.   The issue to be addressed is the scope of a seaman’s damages under the general maritime law, namely whether punitive damages may be sought.   On behalf of the maritime employer/vessel owner Defendant, EPS was successful in having both the Trial Court and 9th Circuit certify the interlocutory appeals sought.   Wilmer Hale joined in as Supreme Court co- counsel.

The EPS team has long made law in all areas of their practice, be it general liability, LHWCA, subrogation, CA workers’ compensation or maritime law.   On just this issue now to be decided by the SCOTUS, EPS has previously litigated the Jones Act/general maritime damages scope in multiple matters at all judicial levels- (CA) State and Federal Trial Courts, State and Federal Courts of Appeal, and now, the U.S. Supreme Court.   This issue will now be decided for all of America by the SCOTUS.