Facts

At approximately 7:00 a.m., plaintiff Tobi Johnson, employed as a steward, fell off a ladder while on board defendant Silverado LLC's vessel, the M/Y Silverado.

Witnesses stated that plaintiff had been drinking ashore the night before and that she returned to the vessel intoxicated around 4:30 a.m. Commander Paul Larson, defense expert, recorded the witness statements.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff contended that the ladder was not properly secured and pulled away from the deck, which was shown by photographic evidence.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The defendant claimed that plaintiff was intoxicated at the time of the fall, that she attempted to climb the ladder with her arms full of laundry and was facing the wrong direction as she was stepping down the ladder rungs.

Defendant also denied it owed plaintiff seaman wages as she had abandoned her position and accepted another job without informing her employer.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff first demanded $100,000.

Injuries

Plaintiff claimed soft tissue injury to her face, jaw, neck and back.

Result

The parties settled for $20,000.

Other Information

Insurer for defendant: Chubb Insurance.