While the worker's employer "shall not be liable to the vessel for such damages directly or indirectly," the worker may bring negligence claims against the vessel owner. Id. ; seeAguilar v. Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. , 833 F. Supp. 2d 582, 591 (E.D. La. 2011) ; Jackson v. Lykes Bros. S. S. Co. , 386 U.S. 731, 87 S.Ct. 1419, 18 L.Ed.2d 488 (1967) ; Reed v. S. S. Yaka , 373 U.S. 410, 83 S.Ct. 1349, 10 L.Ed.2d 448 (1963). The crane barge OC 160 is a vessel to which the provisions of § 905(b) apply.
Id.; see Aguilar v. Bollinger Shipyards, Inc., 833 F.Supp.2d 582, 591 (E.D. La. 2011); Jackson v. Lykes Bros. S. S. Co., 386 U.S. 731 (1967); Reed v. S. S. Yaka, 373 U.S. 410 (1963). The crane barge OC 160 is a vessel to which the provisions of § 905(b) apply.
Such plaintiffs under the LHWCA may also bring negligence claims against the vessel owner. Aguilar v. Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. , 833 F. Supp. 2d 582, 591 (E.D. La. 2011) (Berrigan, J.). Vessel owners owe three general duties to longshoremen:
In general, 33 U.S.C. § 905(b) allows a plaintiff to make claims of negligence against a vessel owner. Aguilar v. Bollinger Shipyards, Inc., 2011 WL 2457703 at *7 (E.D. La. Jun. 16, 2011). Also, under general maritime law, a plaintiff may make claims concerning the unseaworthiness of a vessel against the owner or operator of that vessel.