Preston v. United States of America et al
Filing
48
STIPULATION AND ORDER TO FILE THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS re 47 Stipulation, filed by United States of America. Signed by Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton on 11/13/08. (nah, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 11/13/2008)
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GREGORY G. KATSAS Acting Assistant Attorney General JOSEPH P. RUSSONIELLO United States Attorney R. MICHAEL UNDERHILL Attorney in Charge, West Coast Office Torts Branch, Civil Division JEANNE M. FRANKEN Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division CHAD KAUFFMAN Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice 7-5395 Federal Bldg., P.O. Box 36028 450 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, California 94102-3463 Telephone: (415) 436-6644; (415) 436-6646 E-mail: jeanne.franken@usdoj.gov chad.kauffman@usdoj.gov Attorneys for Defendant & Third-Party Plaintiff United States of America UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SAN FRANCISCO DIVISION KARI PRESTON, Plaintiff, v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC., and DOES 1 through 10, Inclusive, Defendants. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
STIPULATION AND ORDER THEREON FOR THE USA TO FILE THE ATTACHED THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
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Civil No. C-07-3861-PJH IN ADMIRALTY
STIPULATION AND ORDER THEREON FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO FILE THE ATTACHED THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.,
Case No. C 07-3861 PJH
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Cross-Claimant, v. BAE SYSTEMS SAN FRANCISCO SHIP REPAIR, INC., Cross-Defendant. BAE SYSTEMS SAN FRANCISCO SHIP REPAIR, INC., Cross-Claimant, v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Cross-Defendant, BAE SYSTEMS SAN FRANCISCO SHIP REPAIR, INC., Cross-Claimant, v. SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC., Cross-Defendant.
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It is hereby stipulated and agreed, by and between the parties hereto through the undersigned consents of their counsel of record, that defendant, cross-claimant, crossdefendant and third-party plaintiff, United States of America, may file and serve its proposed third-party complaint against Seacoast Electronics, Inc., in the form attached hereto, pursuant to Rule 14(a) and 14(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and further that Counsel of record for Seacoast Electronics, Inc., hereby agrees to accept mail service
STIPULATION AND ORDER THEREON FOR THE USA TO FILE THE ATTACHED THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
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of said third-party complaint on behalf of his client, and hereby waives the requirement for personal service on his client. Dated: November 10 , 2008 Law Offices of Lyle C. Cavin, Jr. s/Christopher Goodroe CHRISTOPHER GOODROE Attorneys for Plaintiff Kari Preston Dated: November 10 , 2008 Buty & Curliano LLP s/Madeline L. Buty MADELINE L. BUTY Attorneys for Defendant Bae Systems SF Ship Repairs, Inc. Dated: November 10 , 2008 Burnham Brown s/Ronnie R. Gipson RONNIE R. GIPSON Attorneys for Third-Party Defendant Seacoast Electronics, Inc. /// /// /// /// /// ///
STIPULATION AND ORDER THEREON FOR THE USA TO FILE THE ATTACHED THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
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Dated: November 10 , 2008
GREGORY G. KATSAS Acting Assistant Attorney General JOSEPH P. RUSSONIELLO United States Attorney R. MICHAEL UNDERHILL Attorney in Charge, West Coast Office Torts Branch, Civil Division s/Jeanne M. Franken JEANNE M. FRANKEN Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division CHAD KAUFFMAN Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice Attorneys for Defendant & Third-Party Plaintiff United States of America
IT IS SO ORDERED this
13th
day of
November
, 2008 in San Francisco, CA.
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STIPULATION AND ORDER THEREON FOR THE USA TO FILE THE ATTACHED THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
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F D IS T IC T O R
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Case No. C 07-3861 PJH
A
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hylli Judge P
s J. Ham
ilton
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UNITED STATESORDERED JUDGE DISTRICT IS SO IT
UNIT ED
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STIPULATION AND ORDER THEREON FOR THE USA TO FILE THE ATTACHED THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
CERTIFICATION OF SIGNATURES I attest that the content of the document is acceptable to all persons required to sign the document.
s/Jeanne M. Franken JEANNE M. FRANKEN
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STIPULATION AND ORDER THEREON FOR THE USA TO FILE THE ATTACHED THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that, on the dates and by the methods of service noted below, a true and correct copy of the forgoing STIPULATION FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO FILE THE ATTACHED THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC. was served on the following at their last known addresses:
Served Electronically through CM/ECF: Ronald H. Klein Madeline L. Buty
Ronnie R. Gipson
cavin@earthlink.net Kte@butycurliano.com
November November
12 , 2008 12 , 2008 12 , 2008
Cburnham@burnhambrown.com November
s/Jeanne M. Franken JEANNE M. FRANKEN
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Case No. C 07-3861 PJH
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GREGORY G. KATSAS Acting Assistant Attorney General JOSEPH P. RUSSONIELLO United States Attorney R. MICHAEL UNDERHILL Attorney in Charge, West Coast Office Torts Branch, Civil Division JEANNE M. FRANKEN Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division CHAD KAUFFMAN Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice 7-5395 Federal Bldg., P.O. Box 36028 450 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, California 94102-3463 Telephone: (415) 436-6644; (415) 436-6646 E-mail: jeanne.franken@usdoj.gov chad.kauffman@usdoj.gov Attorneys for Defendant & Third-Party Plaintiff United States of America UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SAN FRANCISCO DIVISION KARI PRESTON, Plaintiff, v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC., and DOES 1 through 10, Inclusive, Defendants. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT OF USA AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
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Civil No. C-07-3861-PJH IN ADMIRALTY (PROPOSED) THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AGAINST THIRDPARTY DEFENDANT, SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
Case No. C 07-3861 PJH
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Cross-Claimant, v. BAE SYSTEMS SAN FRANCISCO SHIP REPAIR, INC., Cross-Defendant. BAE SYSTEMS SAN FRANCISCO SHIP REPAIR, INC., Cross-Claimant, v. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Cross-Defendant, BAE SYSTEMS SAN FRANCISCO SHIP REPAIR, INC., Cross-Claimant, v. SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC., Cross-Defendant.
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The third-party complaint of defendant, cross-claimant, cross-defendant and thirdparty plaintiff, United States of America, against third-party defendant, Seacoast Electronics, Inc. (hereinafter "SEACOAST"), alleges on information and belief, as follows: 1. This is a case of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction, as hereinafter more fully
appears, within Rules 9(h) and 14(a) and 14(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. 2. The United States of America was and is a sovereign nation authorized to sue
THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT OF USA AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
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pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1345. 3. Third-party defendant SEACOAST was at all material times a corporation
organized and doing business pursuant to the laws of a state of the United States and doing business in the State of California within this District and within the jurisdiction of this Court, and has appeared in this action. 4. SEACOAST contracted with the Government's ship operator, Ocean Duchess,
Inc., to perform certain shipboard repair and/or alteration work onboard the SS CAPE MOHICAN, a public vessel of the United States of America, . 5. At times material hereto, SEACOAST undertook to provide shipboard repair
and/or alteration work on board the SS CAPE MOHICAN, a public vessel of the United States of America. 6. By reason of the foregoing undertaking, SEACOAST was at all material times
obligated to the United States to exercise due and proper care in the performance of its services and to perform its services safely and properly, and in a skillful and workmanlike manner. 7. Defendant, cross-claimant, cross-defendant and third-party plaintiff, United
States of America, and its ship operator, Ocean Duchess, performed all of the responsibilities and duties required to be performed by them. 8. On or about July 27, 2007, plaintiff herein, Kari Preston, filed a complaint
against the United States of America, alleging she suffered injuries and damages as a result of events occurring during her employment on the ship, which was said to be from August 3 to November 11, 2006 while it was in port in Alameda, California. (A copy of plaintiff's
THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT OF USA AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
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complaint is attached hereto as Exhibit "A".) 9. The United States of America filed an answer to said plaintiff's complaint in
which it denied any and all liability, and the issues raised thereby remain before the Court without trial or adjudication. (A copy of the United States' answer is attached hereto as Exhibit "B".) 10. Defendant, cross-claimant, cross-defendant and third-party plaintiff, United
States of America, files this third-party complaint against third-party defendant, SEACOAST, in the Government's capacity as owner of SS CAPE MOHICAN and as the intended beneficiary of the SEACOAST contract with the ship operator, Ocean Duchess. FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF 11. Defendant, cross-claimant, cross-defendant and third-party plaintiff herein,
United States of America, reasserts and realleges each and every paragraph of this third-party complaint with the same force and effect as if set forth herein at length. 12. If plaintiff, Kari Preston, sustained injuries as alleged in her complaint, which
is denied, such injuries or damages were caused or contributed to by the negligence and/or fault of SEACOAST, its agents, servants, employees, and/or others for whom it is or was responsible. 13. If plaintiff, Kari Preston, sustained injuries as alleged in her complaint, which
is denied, such injuries or damages were not caused or contributed to in any way by defendant, cross-claimant, cross-defendant and third-party plaintiff herein, United States of America, its agents, servants, employees, vessel, crew and/or others for whom it is or was responsible.
THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT OF USA AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
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14.
If judgment is rendered in favor of plaintiff, Kari Preston, against defendant,
cross-claimant, cross-defendant and third-party plaintiff herein, the United States of America, then the United States may recover, whether by way of contribution or indemnification, from SEACOAST in the full amount of any fault which is found by the Court on the part of said third-party defendant. SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF 15. Defendant, cross-claimant, cross-defendant and third-party plaintiff herein,
United States of America, reasserts and realleges each and every paragraph of this third-party complaint with the same force and effect as if set forth herein at length. 16. If plaintiff, Kari Preston, is deemed to be entitled to recover damages by reason
of the matters alleged in her complaint, which is denied, said plaintiff's causes of action and claims for relief are properly and directly against SEACOAST by reason of the matters aforesaid, and said third-party defendant is therefore directly liable to plaintiff, who may recover judgment directly against said third-party defendant pursuant to the provisions of Rule 14(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF 17. Defendant, cross-claimant, cross-defendant and third-party plaintiff herein,
United States of America, reasserts and realleges each and every paragraph of this third-party complaint with the same force and effect as if set forth herein at length. 18. If plaintiff sustained injuries as alleged in her complaint, which is denied, then,
due to the acts, fault and/or negligence of SEACOAST, and by reason of the matters
THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT OF USA AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
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aforesaid, SEACOAST breached express and/or implied warranties of workmanlike performance, and is liable to defendant, cross-claimant, cross-defendant and third-party plaintiff, United States of America, whether by way of indemnity, recovery over, or otherwise, for all of its attorneys' fees, costs, expenses, and disbursements incurred in defending this action, and, if the United States of America is held liable in this action to any degree, for the full amount of such judgment against the United States of America, in addition to said attorneys' fees, costs, expenses and disbursements, and for any other damages which it may be otherwise entitled to recover herein. WHEREFORE, defendant, cross-claimant, cross-defendant and third party plaintiff herein, United States of America, prays as follows: 1. That if any judgment is entered in favor of plaintiff against the United States
of America, that said judgment be entered directly and solely against third-party defendant SEACOAST; 2. That if any judgment is entered in favor of plaintiff against the United States
of America as a defendant herein, that a judgment over with interest and costs be entered in favor of third-party plaintiff, United States of America, and against third-party defendant SEACOAST, for contribution as to such judgment, requiring said third-party defendant to pay to the United States the full amount of any such judgment against the United States, or any appropriate portion thereof; 3. That if any judgment is entered in favor of plaintiff against the United States
of America as a defendant herein, that a judgment over with interest and costs be entered in
THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT OF USA AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
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favor of third-party plaintiff, United States of America, against third-party defendant SEACOAST for indemnity as to such judgment, requiring said third-party defendant to pay to the United States the full amount of any such judgment against the United States, and to indemnify and exonerate the United States of America against all liability herein, as appropriate; 4. That judgment be entered in favor of third-party plaintiff, United States of
America, against third party defendant SEACOAST for all attorneys' fees, costs, expenses and disbursements incurred by the United States in the defense of plaintiff's action; and 5. That the United States of America may have such other and further relief as to
the Court may seem just and proper in the premises. Dated: November , 2008 GREGORY G. KATSAS Acting Assistant Attorney General JOSEPH P. RUSSONIELLO United States Attorney R. MICHAEL UNDERHILL Attorney in Charge, West Coast Office Torts Branch, Civil Division JEANNE M. FRANKEN Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division CHAD KAUFFMAN Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice Attorneys for Defendant & Third-Party Plaintiff, United States of America
THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT OF USA AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
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THIRD PARTY COMPLAINT OF USA AGAINST SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that, on the dates and by the methods of service noted below, a true and correct copy of the forgoing THIRD-PARTY COMPLAINT BY DEFENDANT, CROSS CLAIMANT, CROSS-DEFENDANT AND THIRD-PARTY PLAINTIFF, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AGAINST THIRD-PARTY DEFENDANT, SEACOAST ELECTRONICS, INC. was served on the following at their last known addresses:
Served Electronically through CM/ECF: Ronald H. Klein Madeline L. Buty
Ronnie R. Gipson
cavin@earthlink.net Kte@butycurliano.com
November November
, 2008 , 2008 , 2008
Cburnham@burnhambrown.com November
JEANNE M. FRANKEN
8
Case No. C 07-3861 PJH
LAW OFFICES OF LYLE C. CAVIN, JR. LYLE C. CAVIN, JR., SBN 44958 _RONA_L~:H. KLEIN, SBN 32551 " --: ...... - .... ~'201-Fo-urt~ Stree~)Sfiite 102 Oakland, California 94607 Telephone 510-444-2501 Facsimile 510-444-4209 Attorneys For Plaintiff, KARI PRESTON
£;
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA KARl PRESTON, Plaintiff,
{.gOMe~~IN~~r
(Personal Injury)
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[Public Vessels Act, 46 U.S.C. sections 31101 seq.] [Suits in Admiralty Act, 46 U.S.C. sections UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, BAE 30901 et seq.]
V.
SYSTEMS SF SI-UP REPAIR, INC. and DOES 1 through 10, inclusive, Defendants.
/
[Jones Act, 46 U.S.C. ~30104J [Unseaworthiness] [Maintenance and Cure] [General Maritime Law]
Plaintiff, KARl pRESTON, cOmplains against Defendants, and each of them as follows: ~ .... JURISDICTION and PARTIES 1. Plaintiff, KARI PRESTON, is a citizen of the United States, was a seaman at
all material times, and elects to proceed herein pursuant to 28 U.S.C. section 1916 without prepaymen~ of costs and fees and without security therefor. 2. This is a case of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction, as hereinafter more
fully appears, and is an admiralty or maritime claim within the meaning of Rule 9(h) of the Federal Rules of Civi! Procedure. 3. At all times mentioned, Defendant UNITED STATES OF AMERICA was and
is a sovereign state, which by Act of Congress of March 9, 1920 (46 U.S.C. sections 30901 et
Complaint for Damages
1
seq.), as amended, commonly ½-town as the Suits in Admiral[-y Act, hhs consented to be sued in this Honorable Court on the cause or causes of action set forth herein, and said Defendant owned, operated, controlled, and/or chartered the vessel SS;CAPE MOHICAN which was and is a public vessel of the United States or employed as such by said
5 ........... Defendant, .and said Defendant is amenable to suit herein under arid pursuant to the 6 ' provisions of an Act of Congress of March 3, 1925 (46 U.S.C. sections 31101 et seq.), as 7 amended, commonly known as the Public Vessels Act. 8 4. Pursuant to the Clarification Act, 50 U.S.C. Appendix, section 1291(a), and the provisions of Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 327, Plaintiff duly presented an administrative claim to the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD), and to its ship managers, timely and in proper form, providing all pertinent information required 13 by law to be included therein. Plaintiff is informed and believes and thereon alleges that
14 said claim was received by MARAD and its ship managers on or about February 12, 2007. 15 On or about May 25, 2007, said claim was denied. ~.16 5, This action also arises under the Jones Act, 46 U.S.C. section 30104, and the ~ 17 general maritime law, in admiralty and maritime jurisdiction as hereinafter more fully ~18 appears: ~ 19 6. .At al! times herein mentioned, Defendant BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, 2O 2I INC. (hereinafter "BAE") and DOES ONE tJ~rough TEN were and continue to be United 22 States corporations authorized to do and doing business in the State of California and 23 24 within this judicial district. 7. Venue is proper in this district pursuant to 46 U.S.C. sections 742 and 782,
25 based on the fact that the vessel creating liability are found in this district, and that 26 Defendant BAE is doing business therein. 27 28
Complaint for Damages 2
1 ................. CLAIMS FOR RELIEF AGAINST DEFENDANT USA 2
8.
At all times material hereto, Defendant USA was the owner, operator and/or
:-d~arterer-of:the:vesse! SS CAPEMOHiCAN (h~f~aft~ th~"Ve-s~el"); ahd used said vessel in the transportation of cargo, equipment, material and other things for hire upon the navigable waters of the United States in interstate and foreign comm, erce, or otherwise within the jurisdiction of the Jones Act and the general maritime law. 9. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff, KARI PRESTON, was employed by
Defendant USA as a member of the crew of said vessel in the capacity of Chief Mate and otherwise. 10. During her period of employment aboard the vessel from August 3, 2006, through November 11, 2006, while so employed and during the course of her work as a seaman aboard said vessel while berthed in Alameda, California, Plaintiff was exposed ko harmful, unsafe, hazardous, toxic, deleterious, carcinogenic chemicals and other hazardous substances, materials, processes, and working conditions, including but not limited to asbestos, fibrous glass fibers, rust, mold, other toxic, carcinogenic, harmful hydrocarbons and/or substances, organic solvents, chemicals, and materials. 11. Said exposure resulting in Plaintiff's injuries, illnesses, and damages, was proximately caused or contributed to, in whole or in part, by the negligence Of Defendant
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USA, its agents, managers, officers, employees, representatives, and contractors, and the
22 unseaworthiness of said vessel, in that Defendant USA and its vessel:
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a) Failed to provide Plaintiff with a reasonably safe place to work, proper
24 tools, appurtenances, and machinery, proper protective apparatus, proper work methods, 25
instructions, training, warnings, supervision, proper medical care, medical monitoring, and/or proper medical management for her exposure to said materials, and for her injuries and illnesses.
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Complaint for Damages
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.... B) Failed tO ekerds6d~ c~d uffdsr the circumstances. c) Failed properly to provide proper inseructions, orders, supervision, inspection, peFg6i~e!)and equipment for the safety-of its seamen with regard to work done aboard the vessel. d) Violated certain statutory and regulatory laws pertaini.n, g to operations and performance standards concerning personal exposure to said substances, and other matters pertaining to the health and safety of their employees aboard their vessel. e) Violated various industry standards as well as their own rules and policies pertaining to required, reasonable, and mandatory protection from such substances, as well as monitoring and health examinations. f) Violated provisions of the International Safety Management Code and International Maritime Organization standards, and certain federal statutes and regulations. g) Failed to keep and maintain its vessel and its appurtenances, equipment, crew, and work methods in a safe and seaworthy condition. 12. The violation of one or more of said laws, rules, regulations, standards, or other provisions constitutes negligence per se on the part of Defendants, and bars the partial defense of comparative negligence on the part of Plaintiff. 13. Further, the vessel was rendered unseaworthy by the acts and circumstances alleged, including said Defendant's failure to provide Plaintiff with reasonably safe working conditions, its failure to properly train and equip her for proper use of hazardous materials, failure to provide her appropriate personal safety equipment, and failure to provide her with chemicals, fuels, solvents and other materials she was required to use and be exposed to without the presence of harmful ingredients, and said Defendant's failure adequately to warn her about these dangers, rendered the vessel unseaworthy.
4 Complaint for Damages
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These circumstances exposed Plaintiff to products, fuels, solvents and 0lher chemicals containing hazardous amounts of asbestos and other harmful materials which caused her ~ to contract and suffe~ injuries and illnesses, - -- .......... -~--: .....~-~:~
14. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of Defendant, and the unseaworthiness of the vessel, Plaintiff was hurt and injured in her health, strength, and activity, sustaining injury to her body and shock and injury to her nervous system, all of which injuries have caused and continue to cause her great mental, physical and nervous pain and suffering as well as fear of further injury and disease, and great mental anguish, for which Defendant remains liable to Plaintiff. Plaintiff is informed and believes and
Z~
thereon alleges that these injuries have resulted or will result in some permanent injury and disability and loss of earning capacity, all to her general damages in an amount to be ascertained. 15. As a further direct mad proximate result of said Defendant's negligence, and the unseaworthiness of the vessel, Plaintiff was, is, and will be prevented from attending to her usual occupation and she thereby lost earnings, earning capacity, and other benefits and will continue to sustain similar future !osses. The total amount of these losses is
J< 12 13 14 15
mZ
~ 17 presently unknown to Plaintiff and Plaintiff will amend this complaint to set forth these amounts when the same shall be ascertained. 16. As a further direct and proximate resu!t of said Defendant's negligence and
~-~ 19 20 21
22 the unseaworthiness of the vessel, Plaintiff has required treatment by doctors, nurses and 23 other medical personnel to examine, treat, and care for her, and has incurred and will 24 incur medical and other expenses. The amount of said expenses are unknown to Plaintiff 25 at this time and Plaintiff will amend this complaint to set forth these when the stone have 26 been ascertained. 27 17. By reason of above described injuries and illnesses sustained by Plaintiff in 28 5
Complaint for Damages
the course of her employment as a seaman, Defendant USA had and has a lega! duly to 2 provide Plaintiff with prompt and adequate maintenance payments and proper medical ..... care and cure for purposes of treating her injuries and illnesses. Insofa~ as said Defendant 4 failed to provide maintenance and cure, Plaintiff is owed same at a reasonable amount, and, in addition, said Defendant is liable.to Plaintiff for compensatory damages and, insofar as such refusal may be found to be unreasonable, arbitrary, or recalcibzant, attorneys' fees and costs. CLAIMS FOR RELIEF AGAINST SHORE TERMINALS, DOE DEFENDANTS 18. Plaintiff realleges and incorporates herein by reference each and every allegation contained in Paragraphs 9 and I0, as though fully set forth at length. 19. At material times during the period of Plaintiff's employment aboard the vessel, Defendants BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC. and DOES 1 through I0, pursuant to contract with Defendant USA, had its employees, agents, managers, officers, representatives, and contractors working on board for removal of asbestos and other hazardous materials from various areas on the vessel, and other work. 20. At all material times, pursuant to the general maritime law, Defendants BAE and DOES ONE through TEN had the duty to perform their work with reasonable care under the drcumstances, such that all working conditions aboard the vessel would remain 21 reasonably-safe and free from unreasonable hazards, and such a duty was owed to
22 Plaintiff.
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21.
Defendants BAE and DOES, pursuant to the contract between said
24 Defendants and Defendant USA, impliedly warranted that their work aboard and about 25 the vessel would be done in a workmanlike manner.
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Complaint for Damages
22. Plaintiff is a third party beneficiary of rights under the contract between said Defendants USA and BAE, and/or DOE DEFENDANTS, including the right to have the duties 6f Said defendantscarriedout in a workmanlike manner. 23. During material limes while working on or about the vessel, Defendants BAE, and/or DOE DEFENDANTS, were negligent and breached their ~uty of reasonable care and breached their warranty of workmanlike performance owed to Plaintiff by failing to do the work with reasonable care or in a workmanlike manner and failing to maintain their work places, processes and procedures aboard the vessel in a reasonably safe and hazard free condition mad in a workmanlike condition. 24. Said exposure resulting in Plaintiff's injuries, illnesses, and damages, was
proximately caused or contributed to, in whole or in part, by the negligence of Defendant BAE, its agents, managers, officers, employees, representatives, and contractors, and the breach of its warranty of workmanlike performance aboard said vessel, in that said Defendants: a) Failed to provide Plainliff with a reasonably safe place to work, proper tools, appurtenances, and machinery, proper protective apparatus, proper work methods, instructions, training, warnings, supervision, proper medical care, medical monitoring, and/or proper medical management for her exposure to said materials, and for her injuries and illnesses. b) Failed to exercise due care under the circumstances. c) Failed properly to provide proper instructions, orders, supervision, inspection, personnel, and equipment with regard to work done aboard the vessel and for the safety of all persons working aboard. d) Violated certain statutory and regulatory laws pertaining to operations and performance standards concerning personal exposure to said substances, and other
7 Complaint for Damages
I 2 3 4
matters pertaining to the health and safety of their employees and others working aboard the vessel. e) Violated various industry standards as well as their oxvn rules and policies pertaining to required, reasonable, and mandatory protection from such substances, as well as monitoring and health examinations. 25. The violation of one or more of said laws, rules, regulations, standards, or other provisions constitutes negligence per se on the part of Defendants, and bars the partial defense of comparative negligence on the part of Plaintiff. 26. Plaintiff's injuries and consequent damages were directly and proximately caused by the negligence of said Defendants, and each of them, their agents, employees and representatives.
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27. Plaintiff's injuries and consequent damages were directly and proximately caused by the breach by said Defendants, and each of them, their agents, employees and representatives, of their warranty of workmanlike service. 28. As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of said Defendants, and the breach of their warranty of workmanlike service, Plaintiff was hurt and injured in her health, strength, and activity, sustaining injury to her body and shock and injury to her nervous system, all of which injuries have caused and continue to cause her great mental,
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physical and nervous pain and suffering as well as fear of further injury and disease, and
22 great mental anguish, for which Defendants remain liable to Plaintiff. Plaintiff is informed
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and believes and thereon alleges that these injuries have resulted or will result in some
24 permanent injury and disability and loss of earning capaci[-y, all to her general damages in
25 an amount to be ascertained. 26
27~
29. As a h~ther direct and proximate result of the negligence of said Defendants,
and the breach of their warranty of workmanlike service, Plaintiff was, is, and will be
28
Complaint for Damages
8
prevented from attending to her usual occupalJon and she thereby lost earnings, earning capacity, and other benefits and will continue to sustain similar future losses. The tota! amount of these losses is presently UnSown to Plaintiff and Plaintiff will amend this complaint to set forth these amounts when the same shall be ascertained. 30. As a further direct and proximate resuit of the negligence~of said Defendants, and the breach of their warranty of workmanlike service, Plaintiff has required treatment by doctors, nurses and other medical personnel to examine, Ireat, and care for her, and has incurred and wil! incur medical and other expenses. The amount of said expenses are unknown to Plaintiff at this time and Plaintiff will amend this complaint to set forth these when the same have been ascertained. WHEREFOI~, Plaintiff prays for judgment against Defendants and each of them as
follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. For general damages according to proof; For loss of earnings and earning capacity according to proof; For medical and incidental expenses according to proof; As to Defendant USA, for maintenance and cure according to proof; As to Defendant USA, for compensatory damages resulting from failure or
refusal to provide maintenance or cure; 6. As to Defendant USA, for further damages and attorneys' fees and costs
insofar as Defendant's failure or refusal to provide maintenance and cure may be found to be unreasonable, arbil:cary, or recalcitrant;
o
For prejudgment interest according to proof; For costs of suit herein incurred and to be incurred; and For such other and further relief as the court deems just and proper.
Complaint for Damages
o,,I
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"~I~ 'NIAV[D "D ~t~IX[l
Case 3:07-cv-0386,-£Z Document 9 Filed 10/22/200, Page 1 of 12
1 2
4 5 6 7 8 9 i0 I! 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
PETER D. KEISLER Assistant Attorney General SCOTT N. SCHOOLS United States Attorney R: MICHAEL LrNDERHILL .... ......... , Attorney in Charge, West Coast Office Torts Branch, Civil Division JEANNE M. FRANKEN Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division GEOFFREY D. OWEN Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice 7-5395 Federal Bldg., P.O. Box 36028 450 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, California 94102-3463 Telephone: (415) 436-6635; (415) 436-6646 j eanne.franken@usdoj.gov E-mail: geoff.owen@usdoj.gov ¯ Attorneys of Defendant & Cross-claimant United States of America UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
KARI PRESTON, Plaintiff,
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC., and DOES 1 through 10, Inclusive, Defendant. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )
CIVIL NO. C-07-3861-BZ ANSWER OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO PLAINTIFF' S COMPLAINT, AND--CROSS-CLAIMS BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AGAINST CO-DEFENDANT BAE SYSTEMS SAN FRANCISCO SHIP REPAIR, INC.
24 25 26
Cross-complainant
v.
BAE SYSTEMS SAN FRANCISCO
ANSWER OF ~ITED sTATEs OF AMERICA AND CROSS-CLaAIMS BY THE USA AGAINST CODEFENDANT BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC 1
C-07-3861-BZ
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Case 3:07-cv-0386 ,-BZ Document 9 Filed 10/22/20b, Page 2 of 12
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SHIP REPAIR, INC. Cross-defendant.
)
) ) )
For its answer to plaintiff's Complaint, the United States admits, denies, and otherwise responds as follows:
5 6 7. 8
ANSWERING THE PARAGRAPHS TITLED "JURISDICTION AND PARTIES" 1. Denies each and every allegation of paragraph 1, except admits and asserts that
......... a~t-times material hereto plaintiff was employed as a seaman. 2. Denies each and every allegation of paragraph 2, except admits and asserts that this appears to be an admiralty and maritime claim within the meaning of Fed.R.Civ.P.
Z0
9(h), and that the United States is a sovereign which has consented to be sued, if at all, solely pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Clarification Act, 50 App. U.S.C.A. 81291, which incorporates the Suits in Admiralty Act, 46 U.S.C. 88 30901-30918.
11
13
3. Denies each and every allegation of paragraph 3, except admits and asserts that the MiV CAPE MOHICAN is a public vessel, and that the United States is a sovereign
15 16
17
which has consented to be sued, if at all, solely pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Clarification Act, 50 App. U.S.C.A. § 1291, which incorporates the Suits in Admiralty Act, 46 U.S.C. 88 30901-30918.
18 19
4. Denies each and every allegation of paragraph 4, except admits and asserts that plaintiff submitted a purported claim which was received by the United States Maritime
2O 21
22 23
Administration ("MARAD") on or about February 12, 2007, and that MARAD denied it on or about May 25, 2007. 5. To the extent paragraph 5 contains assertions of law, no response is required by defendant United States of America; otherwise, admits and asserts this case against the United States of America by a seaman employed on a MARAD vessel appears to be an
25 26
27
28
admiralty and maritime claim within the meaning of Fed.R.Civ.P. 9(h), and that the United States is a sovereign which has consented to be sued, if at all, solely pursuant to
ANSWER OF ~ITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CROSS-CLAIMS BY THE USA AGAINST CODEFENDANT B~ SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC
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Document 9
Filed 101221200,
Page 3 of 12
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the terms and conditions of the Clarification Act, 50 App. U.S.C.A. § 1291, which incorporates the Suits in Admiralty Act, 46 U.S.C. §§ 30901-30918. .... 6. Denies each and every allegation of paragraph 6 for lack of knowledge and information. 7. To the extent paragraph 7 contains assertions of law, no response is required by
6 defendant United States of America; otherwise, denies the allegations of paragraph 7 for
7
lack of knowledge and information. ANSWERING TI~ PARAGRAPHS TITLED "CLAIMS FOR RELIEF AGAINST DEFENDANT USA" 8. Answering the allegations of paragraph 8, repeats and realleges paragraphs 1-7,
8 9 i0
ii supra, as though each were fully set out herein; and to the extent paragraph 8 contains 12 assertions of law, no response is required by defendant United States of America; 13 14 15 16
)therwise denies each and every allegation therein, except admits and asserts at time naterial hereto, that the United States was the owner of the M/V CAPE MOHICAN, and it was used at times to carry cargo and other things on navigable waters of the United States. 9. Denies each and every allegation of paragraph 9, except admits and asserts thatl
17 at times material hereto, plaintiff was a seaman employed on behalf of the United States of
18 America on the M/V CAPE MOHICAN by MARAD's ship manager, Ocean Duchess, Inc.
19 ("Ocean Duchess"), pursuant to contract.
2O
21 22
10. Denies each and every allegation of paragraph 10. 11. Denies each and every allegation of paragraphs 11 a) through ! 1 g), inclusive. 12. To the extent paragraph 12 contains assertions of law, no response is required
23 by defendant United States of America; otherwise, Denies each and every allegation of 24 paragraph 12. 25
13. To the extent paragraph 13 contains assertions of law, no response is required
26 by defendant United States of America; otherwise, denies each and every allegation of 27
ANSWER OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CROSS-CLAIMS BY THE USA AGAINST CODEFENDANT BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC 3
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C-07-3861-BZ
Case 3:07-cv-0386 ,-6Z Document 9 Filed 10/22/20b, Page 4 of 12
i paragraph 13. 2 3
!4. Denies each and every allegation of paragraph 14. 15. Denies each and every allegation of paragraph 15.16. Denies each and every allegation of paragraph 16. 17. To the extent paragraph 17 contains assertions of law, no response is required
4 5
6 by defendant United States of America; otherwise, denies each and every allegation of paragraph 17. 8 9 i0 ANSWERING THE PARAGRAPHS TITLED "CLAIMS FOR RELIEF AGAIN'ST "SHORE TERMINALS" [sic], DOE DEFENDANTS" 18. Answering the allegations of paragraph 18, repeats and rea!leges paragraphs 1-
ii 17, supra, as though each were fully set out herein. 12 19. To the extent the allegations in paragraph 19 are addressed to defendants other
13 than the United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew, and/or others for whom it is 14 or was responsible, no response is required by defendant United States of America; 15 otherwise, denies each and every allegation therein.
16
20. To the extent paragraph 20 contains assertions of law, or the allegations are
17 addressed to defendants other than the United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew,
18 and!or others for whom it is or was responsible, no response is required by defendant
19 United States of America; otherwise, denies each and every allegation of paragraph 20 to .-
2O the extent it alleges liability against the United States, its agents, servants, employees,
21 crew, and/or others for whom it is or was responsible. 22
21. To the extent paragraph 21 contains assertions of law, or the allegations are
23 addressed to defendants other than the United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew, 24 and/or others for whom it is or was responsible, no response is required by defendant
25 United States of America; otherwise, denies each and every allegation of paragraph 21 to
26 the extent it alleges liability against the United States, its agents, servants, employees, 27
ANSWER OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CROSS-CLaIMS BY THE USA AGAINST CODEFENDANT BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC 4
28
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Case 3:07-cv-038b ,-BZ Document 9 Filed 10/22/20b, Page 5 of 12
! crew, and/or others for whom it is or was responsible. 2 3
22. To the extent paragraph 22 contains assertions of law, or the allegations are ~ddressed to defendants other than the United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew,
4 ~nd/or others for whom it is or was responsible, no response is required by defendant 5 United States of America; otherwise, denies each and every allegation of paragraph 22 to
6 the extent it alleges liability against the United States, its agents, servants, employees, 7 crew, and/or others for whom it is or was responsible. 8
23. To the extent paragraph 23 contains assertions of law, or the allegations are
9 addressed to defendants other than the United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew, i0 and/or others for whom it is or was responsible, no response is required by defendant ii United States of America; otherwise, denies each and every allegation of paragraph 23 to 12 the extent it alleges liability against the United States, its agents, servants, employees, 13 14
crew, and/or others for whom it is or was responsible. 24. To the extent paragraphs 24 a) through 24 e) inclusive contain assertions of law,
15 or the allegations are addressed to defendants other than the United States, its agents, 16 servants, employees, crew, and/or others for whom it is or was responsible, no response is 17 required by defendant United States of America; otherwise, denies each and every 18 allegation of paragraphs 24 a) through 24 e) inclusive to the extent they allege liability 19 against the United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew, and/or others for whom it 20 is or was responsible. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
25. To the extent paragraph 25 Contains assertions of law, or the allegations are tddressed to defendants other than the United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew, tnd!or others for whom it is or was responsible, no response is required by defendant United States of America; otherwise, denies each and every allegation of paragraph 25 to the extent it alleges liability against the United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew, and/or others for whom it is or was responsible.
ANSWER OF ~ITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CROSS-CLAIMS BY THE USA AGAINST CODEFEND,ANT BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC
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26. To the extent paragraph 26 contains assertions of law, or the allegations are
2 addressed to defendants other than the United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew,
and/or others for whom it is. or_was responsible, no response is required by defendant
4 United States of America; otherwise, denies each and every allegation of paragraph 26 to
the extent it alleges liability against the United States, its agents, servants, employees,
6 crew, and/or others for whom it is or was responsible. 7
27. To the extent paragraph 27 contains assertions of law, or the allegations are
8 addressed to defendants other than the United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew, 9 and/or others for whom it is or was responsible, no response is required by defendant i0 United States of America; otherwise, denies each and every allegation of paragraph 27 to ii the extent it alleges liability against the United States, its agents, servants, employees, 12 crew, and/or others for whom it is or was responsible. 13
28. To the extent paragraph 28 contains assertions Of law, or the allegations are
14 addressed to defendants other than the United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew, 15 and/or others for whom it is or was responsible, no response is required by defendant 16 United States of America; otherwise, denies each and every allegation of paragraph 28 to 17 the extent it alleges liability against the United States, its agents, servants, employees, 18 19 20
crew, and/or others for whom it is or was responsible. 29. To the extent paragraph 29 contains assertions of law, or the allegations are addressed to defendants other than the United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew,
21 and/or others for whom it is or was responsible, no response is required by defendant 22 United States of America; otherwise, denies each and every allegation of paragraph 29 to 23 the extent it alleges liability against the United States, its agents, servants, employees, 24 crew, and/or others for whom it is or was responsible. 25
30. To the extent paragraph 30 contains assertions of law, or the allegations are
26 addressed to defendants other than the United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew, 27 28
ANSWER OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CROSS-CLAIMS BY THE USA AGAINST CODEFENDANT BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC 6
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Case 3:07-cv-0386 ,-SZ Document 9 Filed ! 0/22/200, Page 7 of 12
1 and/or others for whom it is or was responsible, no response is required by defendant 2 United States of America; othelwvise, denies each and every allegation of paragraph 30 to
the extent it alleges liability against the United~:States,j_ts agents, servants, employees,
4 crew, and/or others for whom it is or was responsible. 5 6 7 8
FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 31. The Complaint fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 32. If plaintiff sustained damages or injuries as a result of matters alleged in her
9 Complaint, which is denied, those damages or injuries were caused in whole or in part by I0 the negligence and/or fault of plaintiff herself, and were not caused or contributed to in !i any manner by any negligence and/or fault of the United States, its agents, servants, 12 employees, crew, vessel or others for whom it was or is responsible or by any 13 14 15
unseaworthiness of the M/V CAPE MOHICAN. THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 33. If plaintiff sustained damages or injuries as a result of matters alleged in her
16 Complaint, which is denied, those damages or injuries were caused in whole or in part by 17 persons or entities for whose acts or omissions the United States was or is not responsible, 18 and were not caused or contributed to in any manner by any negligence and/or fault of the 19 United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew, vessel or others for whom it was or is 20 responsible or by any unseaworthiness of the M/V CAPE MOHICAN. 21 22
FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 34. This Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over plaintiffs action based on,
23 inter alia, the doctrine of separation of powers; any acts or omissions by or on behalf of 24 the United States which plaintiff alleges caused or contributed to her alleged injuries or 25 damages were discretionary in nature and are not reviewable by this court. 26 /// 27 28
ANSWER OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CROSS-CLAIMS BY THE USA AGAINST CODEFENDANT BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC 7
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FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 35. If plaintiff sustained damages or injuries as a result of matters alleged in her Complaint, which is denied, those damages or injuries were caused in whole or in part by
4 the failure of the plaintiff to carry out the responsibilities assigned to her as a primary duty 5 and were not caused or contributed to in any manner by any negligence and/or fault of the 6 United States, its agents, servants, employees, crew, vessel or others for whom it was or is 7 responsible or by any unseaworthiness of the M!V CAPEMOHICAN. 8 9
SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 36. The Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over plaintiff's Complaint and
I0 action, and it must be dismissed. ii 12 13 14 15
SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE . 37. Plaintiff has failed to mitigate her alleged damages. EIGHTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE 38. Plaintiff is not entitled to attorneys' fees. The Cross-Claims of cross-claimant United States of America against cross-
16 defendant BAE SYSTEMS SAN FRANCISCO SHIP REPAIR, INC. ("BAE") allege, on 17 information and belief, as follows: 18 19
CROSS-CLAIMS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 39. Defendant United States of America reasserts and re-alleges each and every
2O paragraph of its Answer and Cross-Claim with the same force and effect as if set forth at 21 length herein. 22
40. This is a case of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction, as hereinafter more fully
23 appears, within the meaning of Fed.R.Civ.P. 9(h). 24
41. The United States of America was and is a sovereign authorized to sue under 28
25 U.S.C. § 1345, and was at times material hereto the owner of the M/V CAPE MOHICAN. 26 27 28
42. At times material hereto, plaintiff was a seaman employed aboard the M/V
ANSWER OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CROSS-CLAIMS BY THE USA AGAINST CODEFENDANT BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC 8
C-07-3861-BZ
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CAPE MOHICAN on behalf of the United States by Ocean Duchess, MARAD's ship manager for the vessel, pursuant to a contract with MARAD. ::43: At times material hereto, cross-defendant BAE was a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of California, with a place of business and doing
5 6 ? 8 9 10
business within this district and within the jurisdiction of this court. 44. At times material hereto, BAE removed and replaced asbestos ceiling panels on M/V CAPE MOHICAN while the vessel was in navigable waters of the United States. 45. At times material hereto, BAE was obliged to conduct its operations safely, properly, and in a skillful and workmanlike manner, including, but not limited to, its removal and replacement of the aforesaid asbestos ceiling panels on board the M/V CAPE MOHICAN.
12 13
46. At times material hereto, pursuant to the contract with MARAD's ship manager, BAE was obliged to conduct its operations in compliance with federal and state regulations and all industry standards.
15 16 17 18 19 2O 21 22 23 24 25 26 2"7 28
47. At times material hereto, pursuant to a contract with MARAD's ship manager, BAE was obliged to conduct its operations subject to current licensing for asbestos abatement including; but not limited to, its removal and replacement of the aforesaid asbestos ceiling panels on board the MiV CAPE MOHICAN. 48. At times material hereto, plaintiff was not an employee of BAE. 49. Plaintiff has filed its Complaint against the United .States of America, alleging, inter alia, that she was injured during the period August 3, 2006 through November 11, 2006, as a result of the negligence and fault of the United States of America and BAE, which alleged negligence and fault of the United States is denied. 50. The United States of America has filed its foregoing Answer to plaintiff's Complaint in which it denied all liability in the premises, and the issues raised therein remain before this Court without trial or adjudication.
ANSWER OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CROSS-CLAIMS BY THE USA AGAINST CODEFENDANT BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC 9
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51. The United States of America has performed all of the duties and obligations
2 which were required to be perfom-~ed by it. 3 4 5
6 7
FIRST CROSS-CLAIM BY CROSS-CLAIMANT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AGAINST CROSS-DEFENDANT BAE 52. The United States of America incorporates each and every paragraph of this %nswer and Cross-complaint as though fully set out herein. 53. If plaintiff sustained damages as asserted in her Complaint, which is denied,
8 said injuries or damages were caused in whole or in part by the negligence and/or fault of 9 BAE, its agents, servants, employees, subcontractors, and/or others for whom it was or is i0 responsible, and not by the United States of America. ii
54. If Plaintiff sustained damages as alleged in her Complaint, which is denied,
12 such damages were not caused or contributed to in any manner by defendant, United 13
States, its agents, servants, employees, crew, or others for whom it is or was responsible,
14 and not by the United States of America. 15 16
55. If judgment is rendered in favor of plaintiff, and against defendant United States c)fAmerica, then that the United States of American may recover contribution and/or
17 indemnification from BAE in the full amount of any fault which is found by the court 18 against BAE. 19 20 21
SECOND CROSS-CLAIM BY CROSS-CLAIMANT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AGAINST CROSS-DEFENDANT BAE 56. The United States of America incorporates each and every paragraph of this
22 Answer and Cross-complaint as though fully set out herein. 23
57. If plaintiff sustained damages as asserted in her Complaint, which is denied,
24 said injuries or damages were caused in whole or in part by the breach of an implied 25 and!or express warranty of workmanlike service and/or fitness for use by BAE, its agents, 26 servants, employees, subcontractors, and/or others for whom it was or is responsible, and 27 28
ANSWER OF LrNITED S~ATES OF AMERICA AND CROSS-CLAIMS BY THE USA AGAINST CODEFENDANT BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC
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not by the United Stats of America. 58. By reason of the matters aforesaid, BAE is liable to the United States of America, whether by indemnification or contribution, for all attorney's fees, costs,
4 expenses and disbm'sements incurred in the defense of Plaintiff's actions and, if the United 5 States is held liable in this action, for the full amount of such judgment against the United 6 States of America, and for any and all other damages which the United States of America
7 may be entitled to recover herein.
8 9
io
THIRD CROSS-CLAIM BY CROSS-CLAIMANT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AGAINST CROSS-DEFENDANT BAE 59. Defendant United States of America incorporates each and every paragraph of
ii this Answer and Cross-complaint as though fully set out herein. 12 13
60. Ifplaintiff sustained damages as asserted in her Complaint, which is denied, said injuries or damages were caused in whole or in part by the breach by BAE, its agents,
14 servants, employees, subcontractors, and/or others for whom it was or is responsible of an 15 implied and/or express warranty of workmanlike service and/or fitness for use arising from 16 or found in the contract between Ocean Duchess and BAE, of which the United States is 17 an intended third,party beneficiary.
18
61. By reasons of the matters aforesaid, BAE is liable to the United States of
19 America, whether by way of indemnification or contribution, for all attorney's fees, costs,
2O expenses and disbursements incurred in the defense of Plaintiff's actions and, if the United
21 States is held liable in this action, for the full amount of such judgment against the United 22 States of America, and for any and all other damages which the United States of America 23 may be entitled to recover herein. 24
WHEREFORE, the United States of America prays: 62. That plaintiff's action against it be dismissed with prejudice and with costs; 63. That judgment be entered in favor of the Unites States of America as against
ANSWER OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CROSS-CLAIMS BY THE USA AGAINST CODEFENDANT BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC ll
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26 27
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~laintiff. 64. That if any judgment is entered in favor of plaintiff and against the United ~tates of America, then that a judgment over with interest and costs may be entered in favor of the United States of America and against BAE for indemnity and/or contribution,
5
as by this com-t may be deemed appropriate in the premises, requiring BAE to pay to the United States of America the amount of any such judgement, and to indemnify and
? 8
exonerate the United States of America against all liability herein as appropriate; 65. That judgement may be entered in favor of the United States of America and against BAE for all attorney's fees, costs, expenses and disbursements incurred by the United States of America in the defense of Plaintift~ s action; and 66. For such and other further relief as this Court may deem just and proper.
10
12 13 3-4 15 16 3.'7 18 3-9 20 2322 23 24 25 26 2? 28
ANSWER OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CROSS-CLAiMS BY THE USA AGAINST CODEFENDANT BAE SYSTEMS SF SHIP REPAIR, INC
Dated: October 22. 2007 PETER D. KEISLER Assistant Attorney General SCOTT N. SCHOOLS United States Attorney R. MICHAEL UNDERHILL Attorney in Charge, West Coast Office Torts Branch, Civil Division JEANNE M. FRANKEN Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division
/s G. D. OWEN GEOFFREY D. OWEN Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice Attorneys for Defendant & Cross-claimant United States of America
12
C-07-3861-BZ
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