La. Court Says Plaintiff Can’t Seek Non-Pecuniary Damage for Death of Seaman in Asbestos, Silica Exposure Suit

NEW ORLEANS –– A Louisiana federal court has dismissed non-pecuniary damages asserted by the widow of a former sandblaster and paint sprayer, finding that the case law is clear in that a seaman’s damages under both the Jones Act and general maritime law against both employers and non-employers are limited to pecuniary losses.

In the Feb. 1 order, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana granted motions for partial summary judgment filed by a number of defendants in a silica and asbestos exposure suit.

Rose Wade asserted the claims on behalf of her deceased husband, Garland R. …