Legal Document

359 U.S. 495 79 Supreme Court Reporter 936 3 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 971 James S. PATTERSON, General Administrator for Mobile County, Alabama, etc., Leonard Lester Sullivan, Melvin Atlantic Hays, et al., Petitioners,v.UNITED STATES of America. Number 429. Argued April 21, 1959. Decided May 18, Rehearing Denied June 15, See 360 914, 1293. Mr. Jacob Rassner, New York City, petitioners. Leavenworth Colby, Washington, D.C., respondent. PER CURIAM. 1 Petitioners, Sterling E. Duncan, and L. were injured in the course their employment with while aboard vessels operated by Government engaged merchant service. Petitioner Patterson is administrator estate Edgar Doody, Jr., who died as result injuries sustained him he wassim ilarly employed. Each petitioners filed a libel personam against under Suits Admiralty Act, 41 Statutes-at-Large 525 seq., 46 Code KF62 § 741 Annotated KF65 U5 seq. The Appeals Second Circuit affirmed dismissal libels on ground that petitioners' exclusive remedy was Federal Employees' Compensation 39 742 5 751 2 Cir., 258 Reporter, 2nd 702. We granted certiorari, 358 898, 223, 148, to resolve conflict between decision below Eighth Inland Waterways Corporation versus Doyle, 204 874. In Johansen States, 343 427, 441, 72 849, 857, 96 L.Ed. 1051, held 'that Employees Act civilian * *' employees government public service therefore not liable such Public Vessels Act. 43 1112 781 considerations which led conclusion are equally applicable cases where vessel 'has established method redress employees. There no reason have two systems redress.' at page 439, 856.1 major portion argument, however, addressed proposition incorrectly decided we should avail ourselves this opportunity reconsider it. decline do so. No arguments presented fully considered rejected. '(W)hen questions statutory construction, constitutional import, Congress can rectify our mistake, if it was, or change its policy any time, these circumstances reversal readily be made.' South Buffalo R. Co., 333 771, 774—775, 68 868, 870, 92 1077. If seamen employed accorded rights different from greater than those they enjoy provide them.2 4 Accordingly, judgment entered affirmed. also affirm petitioner Vallebuona, has conceded could prevail only overruled. Affirmed. 6 Justice BLACK DOUGLAS dissent. It worthy note expressly disapproved Marine, 155 456, employee awarded damages Clarification 1943, 57 45, 50 U.S.C.App. 1291, Appendix, indicates chosen care remedies made available States. That legislation provided 'officers members crews foreign flag through War Shipping Administration, because temporary wartime character shall officers purposes amended *.'

Classification Label: 7