Victim of Negligence Gets His Day In Court-- And Justice Prevails

An employee of the Department of Defense fell more than two stories while he was inspecting repairs done by Bae Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Inc., on a Navy oiler. He broke five ribs, dislocated an elbow, and suffered mild traumatic brain injury. These injuries cost him $117,025 in medical bills. Worse still, he could not work for a year and a half afterwards, while more bills were piling up.

The reason for his fall? A fair and impartial jury of his peers determined that he fell because of a false rung on the ladder, and Bae Systems' failure to tell him of the danger. The Norfolk jury, after hearing all the evidence, determined that fair compensation for the injury caused by Bae Systems was $1,960,000.

Bae Systems' insurance company argued at trial that the victim brought his troubles on himself, and that Bae Systems should not be blamed. Bae Systems' argument evidently failed to impress, however.'

Rather than paying the judgment as the jury determined, Bae Systems'
insurance company opted to pay for an appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court. The Virginia Supreme Court refused to hear the case, and then, having no other option, Bae Systems' insurance company paid the judgment.

If you or a loved one is a seaman and was injured in a boating, jet ski or sea doo accident, please call the North Carolina an Virginia Lawyers of Kalfus & Nachman to learn your legal rights.