Owner Liable for Failure to Maintain Pier

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed a jury verdict awarding damages to a vessel owner for the sinking of the vessel resulting from negligent maintenance of a pier at which the vessel was docked. In the instant case, the city had assumed control over the pier which looking for a new operator. The city undertook no inspections or maintenance activities during this period. A fishing vessel was docked at the pier. During the night, an exposed bolt on one of the pilings pierced the hull of the vessel and the vessel sank. The appellate court found there was sufficient evidence of negligence on the part of the pier owner to sustain the jury’s finding of liability. F/V Sailor Incorporated v. City of Rockland, No. 05-1141 Source: HK Law