Legal Document

477 U.S. 207 106 S.Ct. 2485 91 L.Ed.2d 174 OFFSHORE LOGISTICS, INC., et al., Petitionersv.Beth A. TALLENTIRE al. No. 85-202. Argued Feb. 24, 1986. Decided June 23, Syllabus Respondents' husbands were killed when petitioner Air Logistic's helicopter crashed in the high seas 35 miles off Louisiana coast while transporting decedents from offshore drilling platform where they worked to Louisiana. Respondents each filed a wrongful death action (later consolidated) Federal District Court, raising claims under Death on High Seas Act (DOHSA), Outer Continental Shelf Lands (OCSLA), and law. Ruling that DOHSA provides exclusive remedy for seas, Court dismissed respondents' based statute. Petitioner Logistics having admitted liability, trial was limited question of damages. Because limits recovery "fair just compensation . pecuniary loss," court's awards respondents did not include damages nonpecuniary losses. The Appeals reversed Court's denial benefits recoverable statute, holding state law could apply its own force by virtue § 7 DOHSA, which "[t]he provisions any State statute giving or regulating rights remedies shall be affected" Act. court concluded, basis 7's legislative history, section intended preserve applicability statutes had jurisdiction extend deaths fact have effect. Held: Neither OCSLA nor requires permits application this case so as entitle recover Pp. 217-233. (a) fatalities arise an accident area covered OCSLA, i.e., "the subsoil seabed outer Shelf, artificial islands fixed structures" erected thereon, but rather occurred maritime "occurring seas" plainly control. character workers who special relationship with shore community has no relevance resolution case. 217-220. (b) language well congressional purposes underlying mandate read endorsement jurisdictional saving clause ensuring courts right entertain causes provide both accidents occurring territorial waters and, seas. Viewed light, serves destroy uniformity facilitate efficient administration those remedies. 220-232. (c) Once it is determined does sanction must concluded are pre-empted applies. 232-233. 754 F.2d 1274 (CA5 1985), remanded. O'CONNOR, J., delivered opinion BURGER, C.J., WHITE, BLACKMUN, REHNQUIST, JJ., joined, Part III BRENNAN, MARSHALL, POWELL, STEVENS, joined. concurring part dissenting part, post, p. 233. Keith Jones, Washington, D.C., petitioners. Charles Hanemann, Houma, La., respondents. Justice O'CONNOR Court. 1 helicopter, traveling, into issue presented whether 41 Stat. 537, 46 U.S.C. 761 seq., may against their husbands, also measure provided La.Civ.Code Ann., Art. 2315 (West Supp.1986), applying either surrogate federal 67 462, amended, 43 1331 seq. 2 * Corrine Taylor Beth Tallentire platforms Gulf Mexico, On August 6, 1980, being transported owned operated (hereafter petitioner), Division Offshore Logistics, Inc., crash approximately Louisiana, over 3-mile limit separates Louisiana's DOHSA. 3 suits United States These actions later consolidated Eastern Upon petitioner's pretrial motion partial summary judgment, ruled therefore upon liability 762. 4 appealed dismissal claims, contending entitled See 2315(B) Supp.1986) (permitting damages, "includ[ing] loss consortium, service, society"). They argued applied provision 767, adopted through OCSLA. 1333(a)(2)(A). Fifth Circuit law, one judge specially another dissenting. 1985). 5 first observed even if action, adopts only "[t]o extent [the laws] inconsistent other laws." precedent held applies scheme Accordingly, turned provides: 6 "The affected chapter. Nor chapter Great Lakes within State, navigable Panama Canal Zone." 767. After examining history 7, It further In reaching result, acknowledged disunity decision would create "profoundly unsettling," F.2d, at 1284, ultimately "[o]ur desire uniform, consistent, cannot justify refusal follow" perceived will. Id., 1288. 8 Judge Jolly concurrence, observing although result compelled "significant problems field because defies reason, runs contrary principles general field, creates all sorts internal inconsistencies prosecution cases dealing seas." 1289. Garza dissented, arguing echoing view Ninth arising " 'as damaging illogical.' Ibid. (quoting Nygaard v. Peter Pan Seafoods, 701 77, 80 (CA9 1983)). 9 Circuit's potential conflict prevailing pre-empts operation, we granted certiorari. 474 816, 60, 88 48 (1985). We now hold neither case, accordingly reverse judgment Circuit. II 10 tortuous development context illustrates truth Cardozo's observation "[d]eath composer strife sea many centuries common land." Cortes Baltimore Insular Line, 287 367, 371, 53 173, 174, 77 L.Ed. 368 (1932). Harrisburg, 119 199, 140, 30 358 (1886), absence applicable afford cause survivors individuals sea. reasoned recognize civil injury resulted land, different rule should respect deaths. Unable tolerate archaism, some began allow permitted such recovery. See, e.g., City Norwalk, 55 F. 98, 103-108 (SDNY 1893) (state validly "maritime affairs limits"), aff'd, 61 364, 367-368 (CA2 1894) (application valid "in regulation subject congress"). Steamboat Co. Chase, 16 Wall. 522, 21 369 (1873). 11 attempt alleviate harshness recognized Hamilton, 398, 28 133, 52 264 (1907), could, circumstances, fatal enabled owner vessel transfer fund claim admiralty, distributed, Delaware citizen's citizen admiralty. noted "[i]n circumstances admiralty deny existence liens not." 406, S.Ct., 135. 12 Hamilton sometimes been understood endorse broader than suggested. Some came rely dicta "questionable" proposition torts then between citizens lie Day, Maritime Wrongful Survival Recovery: Need Legislative Reform, 64 Colum.L.Rev. 648, 650 (1964). Wilson Transocean Airlines, 121 F.Supp. 85, (ND Cal.1954); Comment, 51 Calif.L.Rev. 389 (1963) ("Because constitutionality occurrences doubtful, [recognizing application] rest farfetched theories"); Putnam, Remedy Sea, 22 Case & Com. 125, 126-127 (1915). There continued doubt, spite Hamilton's dicta, States' competence relief Moragne Marine Lines, 398 375, 393, n. 10, 90 1772, 1784, 26 339 (1970) ("The understanding coastal States, waters, beyond boundaries"); H.R.Rep. 674, 66th Cong., 2d Sess., 2, (1920) (accompanying DOHSA) ("there under" law; affirmative [outside limitation actions] ship never sustained Supreme Court"). 13 Even "probably most meant [the] possibility [of seas] little fill vacuum" left Harrg. supra, 10. Moreover, effectiveness because, "[l]egislative impose act boundaries two theories: (1) constructively territory state; (2) wrongdoer limits. theory sufficed every situation." 88. Such laws arose out collisions vessels incorporated American-flag flying flag foreign celebrated perplexed simply denied entirely. Middlesex, 253 142 (Mass.1916) (where collision American whose owners resided potentially statutes). 650-651, 13; Robinson, Admiralty Conflict Laws, 36 406 (1936). sum, practical purposes, date Harrisburg until passage 1920, "there caused breach duties imposed law." 14 U.S., 1784. 15 atmosphere Congress considered legislation designed uniform effective persons id., 401, 1786, 1788; 88-90. enacted finally repudiated providing more three shore.1 class beneficiaries decedent's "wife, husband, parent, child, dependent relative," 761, establishes 3-year limitations period, 763a, allows suit victim continue dies his injuries pending, 765, contributory negligence will bar recovery, 766, declares "recovery fair benefit brought. ." As explained Mobil Oil Corp. Higginbotham, 436 618, 621-622, 98 2010, 2012-2013, 56 581 (1978): 17 "In half century 1920 1970, gave rise largely governed wrongful-death statutes, primary exception survivor's Jones Act, gives matter wrong takes place.] brought predictability made source remedy, continuing impact produced uncertainty incongruity. reasoning dubious best 1886, became less satisfactory years passed. 18 therefore, overruled Harrisburg. 375 [90 1772], exist concerned Florida's waters. defendant Congress, limiting evidenced intent preclude judicial however, reason confined prevent abrogating, force, available 400 1787]." (Footnotes omitted.) 19 Subsequently, confronted various subsidiary questions concerning Sea-Land Services, Inc. Gaudet, 414 573, 94 806, 39 (1974), Moragne-based support services, funeral expenses, society, mental anguish. Finally, standard controlled supplemented Gaudet action. doing, concluded: 20 "We realize that, comprehensive code, often called supplement statutes. announces Congress' issues beneficiaries, negligence, survival, address speak directly question, free 'supplement' answer thoroughly becomes meaningless." 625, 2015. With background, proceed hand: above, stemming acts omissions 761. contrast, essentially nonmaritime controls thereon. By terms, "construed manner above affected." 1332(2). Within adjacent regulations. 23 behind treat structures upland enclaves landlocked vessels, defining deemed inapposite these structures. Rodrigue Aetna Casualty Surety Co., 395 352, 361-366, 89 1835, 1840-1842, 360 (1969). This endorsed assumption generally lands Rodrigue, noting "had connection ordinary stuff do piers." 360, 1839-1840. Herb's Welding, Gray, 470 414, 422, 105 1421, 1426, 84 Thus, "actually occurring" islands, platforms. 366, 1842. 24 argue work mainland, governs contend Corp., 453 473, 101 2870, 69 784 (1981), platforms, boats immediately This, state, evidences traditionally locales confines platform, decedent worker. apparent status worker controls, note "special men working commute visit families" moved vessels. 365, 25 accept rewrite extension far locale reconciled narrowly circumscribed defined statutory prescription construed affect cover Shelf. can operative statute: extended areas 361, 1840. Here, expressly accidental marine league shore. without provision, appropriately invoked here traditional furtherance activity bearing significant activity. Executive Jet Aviation, Cleveland, 409 249, 93 493, 34 454 (1972). Although riding conveyance, engaged function performed waterborne vessels: ferrying passengers "island," albeit one, 271, 20, 505, 20. cited supports position. required regardless location accident. Indeed, raised regarding aboard platform. facts make clear presumed proximity workers' intimately connected decedents' 27 interpret 1333, require permit us coverage away workers. scope OCSLA's coverage, like operation DOHSA's remedies, principally locale, individual injured killed.2 1333(a)(2)(A) ("To subchapter regulations ., criminal hereby declared portion thereon"); (DOHSA's extends "person act, neglect, default State. ."). Cf. supra (discussing situs requirements Longshoremen's Harbor Workers' Compensation making employers); Director, Office Programs Perini North River Associates, 459 297, 103 634, 74 465 (1983); 688 (recovery "seaman"). presented, then, conclusion inescapable afforded govern secure found preserves, pre-empt, IV 29 sentence ensure conclude bear reading evaluated light whole, importance Mastro Plastics NLRB, 350 270, 285, 76 349, 359, 100 309 (1956) (" 'In expounding guided single member sentence, look whole object policy' ") Heirs Boisdore, How. 113, 122, 1009 (1849)). references persuade serve clause, enjoyed originally drafted, accruing State." 59 Cong.Rec. 4482 (1920). During House debate, Representative Mann proposed amendment deleting words "as state." blush amended seems position, closer comparison before after amendment, belies facial argument. 31 bill submitted addition 4, 32 "Whenever account maintained appropriate abatement amount authorized, notwithstanding." 764. 33 Section indicates wanted sovereign whatever might provide, inconsistency expressly. reluctant much ambiguous states "remedies" "rights action" "affected" makes reconciling conflicting measures same substantive effect explicit command 4. Normal construction give subtleties chose employ, particularly where, here, isolated sections consideration way considering bears marked similarity "saving suitors" litigants bring personam courts. Judiciary 1789, 9, ("saving suitors, cases, competent it"); 1333 (1948 1949 amendments original clause) suitors otherwise entitled"). Madruga Superior 346 556, 560, 12, 298, 300, 290 (1954) effected change). leaves adjudicate proceedings means "a 'having concurrent jurisdiction, adopt attach them incidents, sees fit' long [give rem or] changes 'substantive law.' 560-561, 300-301 Red Cross Line Atlantic Fruit 109, 124, 44 274, 277, 68 582 (1924)). Stated way, used constrained so-called "reverse-Erie" doctrine conform governing standards. Baxter, Choice Law System, Stan.L.Rev. 1, (referring Erie R. Tompkins, 304 64, 58 817, 82 1188 (1938)). Garrett Moore-McCormack 317 239, 245, 63 246, 250, 87 239 (1942); Stevens, RR. Tompkins Uniform General Law, Harv.L.Rev. 246 (1950). natural unavailable sense rendered incompetent invoking statute's not, "extend conduct-governing enactment provisions. Safir Compagnie Generale Transatlantique, 241 501, 508 (EDNY 1965) (interpreting 7). section's language. Association (MLA), organization experts prime movement drafted MLA envisioned completed Institute, Study Jurisdiction Courts 1316(b), pp. 236-237 (1969) (hereinafter ALI Study). Hughes, Actions Admiralty, Yale L.J. 115, 123 (1921). proponents viewed product perhaps overabundant caution, MLA, expert body lawyers, fear absent specifically recognizing viability type competency 1917, handed down Southern Pacific Jensen, 244 205, 37 524, 1086, landmark workmen's "attempts wholly unknown incapable enforcement processes saved grant jurisdiction" liabilities parties clearly matters jurisdiction. 218, 530. felt necessity traced schemes, "common remedies," see 213, 146, thus "saved Jensen. incidentally ensured exercising "modify" "supplement" enforceable Western Fuel Garcia, 257 233, 42 89, 66 210 (1921); reach explicitly "prevent abrogating waters." 2013. terms thought displace (1970), proposed, ability pursue court. 38 debates exceedingly confused ill informed, remarks amply courts' discussion focused almost exclusively effects section. 4482-4485 expressed resolve save judicial, derivatively, (remarks Rep. Volstead); 4483 Montague) ("[T]he retained sovereignty courts"); ibid. (§ "put abundant calm minds think usurped national law"). also, stated firm restricting Moore) purpose occurs seas"). asserted confer Sanders); 4484 Volstead) ("This outside limit"). backdrop introduced 7. To Mann's specific introducing deciphered contribution debate's confusion, appears least consistent idea principal concern recognition claims. had, earlier draft belief 1928 (1914). debates, enjoy Lakes. express growing However, he ever previously exercised so. ("Though I know, suppose man get service defendant, injury, suit"); ("I remember very distinctly previous Congresses, and. impression take court"); ("If drawn lawyers taking conferred ought critically examined"). suggesting deletion clause's forum adjudication (under jurisdiction"); 4485 (If suggested, States"). 40 doing so, implicitly Under "uniformity" forcefully 215-216, 528-529, Members during power pass Constitution, whenever doubt excludes subject"); 4486 Goodykoontz). would, course, adjudicating time passage, obliged resolving conflicted Chelentis Luckenbach S.S. 247 372, 384, 503, 62 1171 (1918) ("Plainly, [to suitors] sanctioned enforced find nothing therein reveals intention complaining party election determine defendant's measured common-law standards [W]ithout regard ask relief, sea"); supra. Workman New York City, 179 552, 212, 45 314 (1900). No reasonable entertained displacement derived point. 216, 529 ("[N]o [state] contravenes essential Congress"). 250; Pope Talbot, Hawn, 411, 202, ---, 143 (1953). reflect intent, believe mean supply explained, spoken, controlled, supra; Cannon University Chicago, 441 677, 696-697, 99 1946, 1957-1958, 60 560 (1979) ("It always assume our elected representatives, citizens, know reference somewhat unclear, once debate seemed passed control, operation. (exchange Reps. Igoe Mann). Jensen there constitutionally injuries. Just year passed, invalidated override authorizing injuries, ruling delegate prescribe rules "would inevitably harmony Constitution contemplated actually established." Knickerbocker Ice Stewart, 149, 164, 438, 441, 834 F.Supp., 90-91. Given legal climate climate, infer colleagues affirmatively taken care requirement explicit. unambiguous guide. And certainly surrounding indicate degree clarity fact, went vote, Goodykoontz cautioned "leave [first] 7] incomplete remaining language, unlike Mahomet's coffin, suspended heaven earth, anything particular." Cong.Rec., 4486. vote clarification, despite Goodykoontz' warning final moments "surplusage" meaning, worst framed "decisions Court," "superseded authority courts." proper meaning section, supported passage. accord recognized, acted void existed up 1920[:] seas," achieve remedy. 1788. ----. intact nonexistent ineffective incongruous. incongruous seeking intend widely divergent Com., 125-127 (use "leaves struggle quite resulting congeries modes show striking intricacy, leading inefficiency"). 2015 ("Congress losses order encourage creation supplements," citing seas)). hardly conceivable diverse world over. A majority commentators addressed since rejected illogical interpretation effect.3 Many coherently. 501; Ledet Aircraft N.Y.2d 258, 219 N.Y.S.2d 176 N.E.2d 820 (1961); 236-237. 400, 14, 1787, place side Act); Rairigh Erlbeck, 488 865 (Md.1980). clause. hear convenient Note, Admiralty: 47 Cornell L.Q. 632, 638 (1962) Note). normally expertise bear, adjudicate. Study, 237; 637. Also, availability prevents forums seas; ensures seaman passenger accident, able choose prefer proceed. Engel Davenport, 271 33, 410, 70 813 (1926) claims). 638. (1981) (recognizing guarantee inevitable. "struck balance us" determining restricted losses, "does Admittedly, society line beneficiary (1974) (holding society). questionable significance difference 624, 2014, overshadowed serious conflicts periods, classes definition defenses. defer interests primary. reversed, remanded opinion. ordered. 49 whom STEVENS join, part. 50 today holds 538, forecloses odds dissent.1 early few humanitarian considerations, death. Chief Chase often-quoted passage: "[C]ertainly better humane liberal withhold established inflexible rules." Sea Gull, F.Cas. 909, 910 (No. 12,578) (CC Md.1865). Highland Light, 138, 139 6,477) Md.1867) styled, improperly, human providence watches 'who go ships' "). instead created statute.2 At 146. including generally, lower begun enforce admiralty.3 1907, confirmed 133. power, fictions choice altogether. 88-89 Cal.1954). 1898 1917 legislators several bills nn. 9. proposals met unbroken string defeats, primarily considerable local opposition predecessor unaffected S. 4288, 64th 1st Sess. (1916); H.R. 9919, (1916). favorably reported Houses. S.Rep. 741, 1419, (1917). again opening day 65th Congress. 39, took bill, presumably entered World War four days later. 54 Following I, reintroduced S.2085, (1919). Senate material amendment. stood, maintain crucial disposition today, (Emphasis added.) Before floor House, Reports Committees (1919); correctly observes: "§ [DOHSA] court." Ante, 225. Had form, clear—the Representatives, Illinois successfully offered concluding phrase, preserved state-law geographic qualification. ignores starting point is, itself. Blue Chip Stamps Manor Drug Stores, 421 723, 756, 95 1935, 539 (1975) (POWELL, concurring). Consumer Product Safety Comm'n GTE Sylvania, 447 102, 2051, 766 (1980). given scant attention reads codified: 57 Exceptions 767 (emphasis added). clear. preserves encompasses "remedies." undiminished cast plain true, states, Amendment "exceedingly informed." Davis, meticulous review Appeals, stated: reflects number differing concerns beliefs legislators. preempted couched precise terminology, term 'jurisdiction' indiscriminately refer particular circumstance, discern statements participants hopeless. unnecessary Absent clearly-expressed contrary, ordinarily regarded controlling." 1274, 1280-1282 Despite confusion removed "to face well. Today's holding, barring rejected. Whatever policy advantages have, inappropriate "judgment declined enact." Copp Paving 419 186, 200, 392, 378 (1974). attempts explain (codified, 1333). argument convincing. true italicized But contains "giving Act." protects "regulat[e]" That notion fails second argument, advanced issue, merely "jurisdictional clause" certain 65 concedes version 224, 225 ("§ court"). asserts, "extended 227. easy understand how transformed mere remove restriction; clauses remained intact. "If suggested agreed to, interfere accrued already noted, construing preserving refers death."4 argues "incongruous" "preserv[ing] 230. Aside accurately portrays (1907) (Delaware seas); La Bourgogne, 95, 664, 679, 973 (1908) (similar direct precedessor current claim), plausible suggest wished establish assured adoption Amendment, decided array sometimes—as here—conferred State's residents accordance undermine exclusive, aspects agree undercuts desirable role reconsider wisdom made. restriction preservation thereby imposes enact. outcome process legislates otherwise. dissent. survival pain suffering beneficiaries' "supplemented" conceivably Barbe Drummond, 507 794, 797-798 (CA1 1974); Dugas National 438 1386 (CA3 1971). Only superimposes determinative requirement; 1333(b) "employee" operations payable involve employee employer pursuant 1333(b), Jennings Goodyear 227 248 (Del.1964); Echavarria Caribbean Steam Nav. 678 1935); (1936); Magruder Grout, Jurisdiction, 395, 416, 422-423 (1926). 1983) (finding remedy); 801, 10; 1388; Lockwood Astronautics Flying Club, 437 437, 1971); Middleton 326, 329 1934); G. Gilmore C. Black, 364 (2d ed. 1975); D. Robertson, Federalism 224 (1970); E. Benedict, §§ 143, 148, 385-386, 394, (6th 1940); 651 (1964); 122-123 Moragne: Seaman's Legal Lifeboat, Geo.L.J. 1411, 1417 (1971); Tangled Seine: Survey Personal Injury Remedies, 243 (1947). 588, 22, elements seas). Alexander Technologies 548 139, 142-143 (Conn.1982); re Complaint Exxon 977, 978 1982). join everywhere [wrongful death] been, administered countries, particular, founded good 'natural equity Since, right, shown accepted received nations government kind, forced 1277, 1086 (1917), ante, ----, ---- - converted broad enough foreclose (But cf. exempted rule)). believed reservation necessary concern,

Classification Label: 7