Trial News

Mark Hoffas, 50, was employed by American Seafoods Co. and worked on the crew of the F/T American Dynasty. As he was moving a heavy oil spill response kit with another crewmember, he tripped backward on a portion of the deck that was misaligned, twisting his right knee. He returned to work the following season. A year later, he was descending a fixed ladder when he slipped and fell. His left knee twisted beneath him, and he fell to the deck below. He suffered injuries necessitating a left knee replacement and follow-up surgery to remove scar tissue. He also suffered aggravation of preexisting arthritis. Hoffas, who has walking difficulties and pain, did not return to work as a seaman and has trained to become a commercial truck driver.

Hoffas sued American Seafoods and the company that owned the ship, alleging unseaworthiness and negligence under the Jones Act.

The court awarded more than $149,300, including approximately $68,000 in lost earnings.

Citation: Hoffas v. American Seafoods Co., LLC, No. 17-2-01150-9SEA (Wash. Super. Ct. King Cnty. July 16, 2018).

Plaintiff counsel: Richard Davies and Marissa Olsson, both of Seattle.

Plaintiff expert: Jonathan Clabeaux, orthopedic surgery, Seattle.

Defense expert: Brian King, naval architecture, Seattle.