Opinion ID: 369378
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Was one of the court's instructions erroneous as a matter of law?

Text: 15 IV. Did the court err in denying the Bachtels' motion to allocate attorney fees between themselves and the stevedore? APPLICABLE STATUTORY LAW 16 In reviewing the issues before us, we must look to the Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, 33 U.S.C. §§ 901 Et seq. (the Act). Bachtel brought his action under the 1972 amendments to the Act; in particular, 33 U.S.C. § 905(b). These amendments radically changed the law in this field. By virtue of these amendments, the longshoreman is entitled to increased workers' compensation benefits, but these benefits now constitute his sole remedy against the stevedore. However, the longshoreman has a cause of action against the vessel owner on a negligence theory, the former unseaworthiness brand of strict liability being abolished by the Act. Additionally, the shipowner, if liable, has no cause of action for indemnity against the stevedore. 17 If, under the provisions of the Act, the injured longshoreman fails to bring an action against the shipowner within six months, the stevedore or its compensation carrier, has the right to do so on his behalf. If the stevedore brings the action, the statute provides for the manner in which the recovery is to be distributed. 33 U.S.C. § 933(e). The statute is silent as to distribution of proceeds when the longshoreman brings the suit, but it is clear that the stevedore has a lien against the longshoreman's recovery for the amount of benefits it has paid. The statute also does not define negligence. However, Congress clearly did not intend to use the word in its common law sense. We shall touch upon this subject later in the opinion.