Hawkins v. The "Margaret Elizabeth No.1" et al.

In Personal Injury and Maritime Law on (Updated )

This case concerned a 17 year old plaintiff who was injured when the rigging of a fishing vessel struck a light pole on a wharf causing it to fall and strike the Plaintiff. The Plaintiff brought this action against the fishing vessel. The fishing vessel in turn brought a third party action against the Crown as owner of the wharf. The fishing vessel was held 100% liable for the accident. The Court rejected the third party claim finding that the Crown was not aware of any defects in the light poles and that any defects were hidden and would not have been discoverable on a reasonable inspection. The Plaintiff was awarded in excess of $438,000.00.