Soucie v. Trautwein Bros

In Soucie v. Trautwein Bros. (1969) 275 Cal. App. 2d 20, the Court of Appeal concluded a pile butt who worked on a derrick barge was a Jones Act seaman as a matter of law. (275 Cal. App. 2d at p. 27.) Spears's reliance on this case is misplaced. The Soucie court did not address whether the plaintiff had a connection to the barge which was substantial in nature. The defendants conceded the barge was a vessel "operating and working in navigable waters," so the court did not address that issue either. (Id. at p. 26.) The court based its decision on its findings (1) the barge was being used for its designed purpose, (2) the plaintiff was assigned to work permanently aboard the barge and (3) the plaintiff's work furthered the special function of the barge and contributed to the accomplishment of its mission. (Id. at p. 27.)