International Oilfield Divers, Inc. v. Pickle

Background

This dispute concerns who qualifies as a “seaman” for purposes of the Jones Act, a federal law that lets injured maritime workers sue their employers. The Court declined to take up the case, leaving in place a Fifth Circuit ruling that uses a broader test for who counts as a seaman. Lower courts disagree about that test, and the disagreement prompted a Justice to object to the Court’s refusal to review.

Reasoning

The core question is whether a worker must help with the ship’s transportation or navigation to be a seaman. The dissent explains that the Fifth Circuit follows an expansive view that a worker need not assist in the vessel’s transportation function. Other appeals courts, notably the Third and Seventh Circuits, require that a worker’s duties relate to the vessel’s transportation or navigational mission. Because those courts conflict, Justice White would have granted review to resolve the split.

Real world impact

By denying review, the Supreme Court leaves the Fifth Circuit’s broader rule standing in that circuit and leaves a split among other circuits in place. That means maritime workers in different regions may face different standards for bringing Jones Act claims. The denial is not a final ruling on the legal question nationwide; the issue could return to the Court later or be resolved by legislation.

Dissents or concurrances

Justice White, joined by the Chief Justice, dissented from the denial and urged review because of the direct disagreement among the federal appeals courts.