Unprecedented Three Consecutive Jones Act Arbitrations Vindicate McAlpin Tanner Marcotte Clients

October 5, 2015 – MIAMI, FLORIDA — The maritime litigation law firm of McAlpin Tanner Marcotte has earned their clients three arbitration defense verdicts within the short span of three weeks, a highly unusual, if not unprecedented, result.  An arbitration defense verdict is the equivalent of a defense verdict at trial.  The Jones Act is federal legislation that allows qualifying workers at sea to seek compensation for sickness or injury from their employers.

In each case the tribunals exonerated the cruise line/employer from all claims of Jones Act negligence, unseaworthiness or failure to provide prompt, proper and adequate maintenance & cure. These defense verdicts are particularly noteworthy given the fact that seamen are viewed as “wards of the court” and that any doubt as to the entitlement to benefits must be decided in the crewmember’s favor.

The firm attributes its success to its meticulous preparation, nearly 30 years of experience as a leader in the representation of cruise lines in maritime litigation, and its close collaboration with its clients in all aspects of their representation.  “We are thrilled to see our clients vindicated and to lead the way in maritime arbitration results,” said managing partner Rich McAlpin.

The decisions can be viewed here