A jury in Georgia has awarded $2,236,850 to a plaintiff who alleged that he was injured when he fell through an open hatch while walking on a cruise ship.
Facts & Allegations
Robert Lowie, a passenger on the Emerald Princess II, allegedly was injured when fell 10 feet through an open hatch while walking on board. He sued Golden Isles Cruise Lines Inc., the owner and operator of the Emerald Princess II, for negligence.
The defense contended that the hatch was an open and obvious condition that Mr. Lowie clearly could see and that he should have walked around it. The defense also argued that there were chairs around the hatch to indicate to passengers that they should not go near the hatch and that Mr. Lowie, a frequent passenger, was very familiar with the deck's layout, including the hatches.
Result
The jury found Golden Isles Cruise Lines 100 percent liable and determined that Mr. Lowie was entitled to $2,236,850 in compensatory damages.
The case is Lowie v. Golden Isles Cruise Lines, Inc., No. CE1600199063 (Ga. Super.Ct. Glynn Cty. Jan. 9, 2018). Attorneys involved include: Carl Varnedoe; Jones Osteen & Jones; Hinesville, GA, for Robert Lowie; Billy Jones; Jones Osteen & Jones; Hinesville, GA, for Robert Lowie; Todd M. LaDouceur; Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith; Pensacola, FL, for Golden Isles Cruise Lines Inc.; Tony C. Jones; Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith; Atlanta, GA, for Golden Isles Cruise Lines Inc.
FC&S Legal Comment
This report is based on information that was provided by plaintiff's and defense counsel.
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