Document: 383 U.S. 262 86 S.Ct. 765 15 L.Ed.2d 740 George HOPSON et al.v.TEXACO, INC. No. 818. Feb. 28, 1966. Abraham E. Freedman, for petitioners. Harry McCoy, respondent. PER CURIAM. 1 These actions were brought under the Jones Act, as amended (41 Stat. 1007, 46 U.S.C. § 688 (1964 ed.)), to recover damages injuries sustained by one seaman, and death of another, a result an automobile accident on island Trinidad. Judgment jury's verdict was entered in United States District Court favor plaintiffs, but Appeals reversed. 4 Cir., 351 F.2d 415. We grant petition writ certiorari reverse. 2 The facts are not dispute. two seamen members crew respondent's tanker which docked at refinery Pointe-a -Pierre Both fell ill it determined that they would be unable continue voyage. In order discharge incapacitated seaman foreign port, federal law1 requires he taken Consul where arrangements his return can made. Consul's Office located Port Spain, some 38 miles distant. Although respondent had fleet motor vehicles used transportation immediate vicinity docking area, its practice utilize either local taxi companies journeys more distant points. ship's Master procured these cabs set out Spain with seamen. En route, collided truck, killing seamen; other seriously injured. jury found driver been negligent—a finding challenged neither nor here. reversed Court's determination is liable petitioners this negligence operator. 3 Act2 incorporates standards Federal Employers' Liability amended,3 renders employer negligently inflicted employees 'officers, agents, or employees.'4 noted Sinkler v. Missouri Pac. R. Co., 356 326, 78 758, 799, latter Act 'an avowed departure from rules common law' (id., 329, 762), which, recognizing '(t)he cost human injury, inescapable expense railroading,' undertook 'adjust equitably between worker carrier.' Ibid. give accommodating scope * word 'agents" 330—331, we concluded 'when (an) employee's injury caused whole part fault others performing, contract, operational activities employer, such 'agents' within meaning FELA.' (Id., 331—332, 763). think those principles apply equal force service ship ill-fated journey vital total operations. could sail men, lawfully them without taking Consul. Indeed, have abandoned breached statutory duty arrange their States. Getting office was, therefore, And respondent—not seamen—which selected, done many times before, service. Respondent—the law says—should bear responsibility chose. This so because, said Sinkler, 'justice demands who gives labor furtherance enterprise should assured all combining exertions him pursuit will conduct themselves respects sufficient care safety while doing endangered.' U.S., 330, 762. 5 Reversed. 6 Mr. Justice HARLAN, believing L.Ed.id extended, dissents. Rev.Stat. §§ 4578, 4580, 4581, amended, 679, 682, 683 ed.). 53 1404, 45 51 seq.

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