A Staten Island Ferry worker named Jermaine Black has filed a lawsuit against the city, seeking $1 million in damages. Black injured his left knee on January 9, 2022, when he slipped and fell on ice while approaching the Ferryboat Andrew J. Barberi. According to court documents, Black claims that the city failed to provide him with safe passage to the Barberi, resulting in his accident. The money from the lawsuit, Black states, would help alleviate his “pain and suffering.”
Interestingly, this lawsuit comes shortly after another Staten Island Ferry employee, Assistant Capt. Joseph Grym, demanded $1 million in damages from the city. Grym alleges that he injured his shoulder and back while attempting to close a “jammed” pilot house window on June 6, 2022, aboard the Spirit of America, a vessel launched by the city in 2006.
Both Black and Grym have filed their lawsuits under the Jones Act, a federal law from 1920 that grants maritime workers the right to sue their employers for damages if they are injured on the job. However, it is important to note that the city Law Department has declined to comment on Black’s lawsuit, and neither Black nor his attorney have responded to messages.
In addition to these legal matters, it is worth mentioning the history of the Barberi. This particular ferry gained notoriety in 2003 when it was involved in a tragic crash that claimed the lives of 11 people. Since then, the Barberi has been retired and was put up for auction in May. In June, the city announced that the vessel had been sold to an undisclosed buyer for $101,100.
These lawsuits and the history of the Barberi highlight the potential dangers and risks associated with working on ferries. Maritime workers can face various hazards in their line of work, and it is crucial for employers to prioritize their safety. The Jones Act exists to protect workers in such situations, allowing them to seek compensation for injuries sustained on the job. While the outcome of these specific lawsuits remains to be seen, they shed light on the importance of ensuring safe working conditions for all maritime employees.
