Semien v. Parker Drilling Offshore Corp

Filing 48

TRIAL RULING On the basis of the foregoing evidence and testimony, the Court finds Mr. Semien is entitled to general damages in the amount of $200,000. Total Gross Damages Award: In light of the evidence, testimony, and considerations described above, the Court awards recovery in the following amounts: Past lost wages:$122,548.00Minus Advances:-$24,614.48Total past lost wages:$ 97,933.52Future lost wages:$288,337.00Total Lost Wages:$386,270.52 Employer-provi ded meals: $ 40,100.00Employer contributions to insurances:$ 52,658.00Total Fringe Benefits:$ 92,758.00Past medical expenses: $ 1,525.12Future medical expenses: $ 0.00Total Medical Expenses:$ 1,525.12Required vocational rehabilitation:$ 5,000.00Household Services:$ 34,651.00Total Specific Damages:$520,204.64General Damages:$200,000.00Total Damages:$720,204.64This Court having found Mr. Semien fifty (50) percent a t fault, therefore, reduces his award by fifty (50) percent. Thus, the total amount awarded to Mr. Semien for Parker Drillings negligence is: Total Damages Awarded: $360,102.32I.InterestThe Court and the parties agree an award of prejudgment in terest is within the discretion of the trial court when a Jones Act case is brought under the courts admiralty jurisdiction (and the case is tried to the court and not to the jury), even if there is not a finding of unseaworthiness. Williams v. Read ing & Bates Drilling Co., 750 F.2d 487, 491 (5th Cir. 1985). This Court, however, in the exercise of its discretion does not award prejudgment interest in this case, noting that Parker Driller paid advances to Mr. Semien, up to maximum medical improv ement granting Mr. Semien use of that money during that period, and that Mr. Semien admitted making no effort of any nature to even attempt to engage in any educational activity of any kind, or to attempt to find any work of any kind. For these and the other reasons included above, this Court declines to order pre-judgment interest. The parties are ORDERED to present a judgment agreed to as to form reflecting the ruling of the Court within ten days of receipt of this ruling. Signed by Judge Rebecca F Doherty on 4/5/16. (crt,Guidry, C)