Former Employee Sues Indiana Riverboat Casino under Maritime Law

By Aaron Poehler

Published on March 20, 2008

The 5,000-passenger Glory of Rome riverboat, where Conder worked, is docked indefinitely in Indiana’s Harrison County and serves as the Caesars Indiana casino. According to the suit, while working as a dealer aboard the boat, Conder contracted numerous flea bites that led to disabling health problems. Conder claims to have suffered two heart attacks as a result of steroid injections used to suppress her reactions to the flea bites, and she has since been diagnosed with hypereosinophilic syndrome, a rare blood disorder.

Although Conder is eligible for limited benefits under Indiana's workers' compensation laws, if the casino is found to be covered under the federal Jones Act she may be eligible for elevated compensation intended for injured maritime workers, including reimbursement of medical fees and payment of back wages. In December 2007, a Harrison Circuit Court judge ruled that Conder qualified as a Jones Act seaman and that her job was intended to help the vessel fulfill its mission.

The case is currently on hold while the Indiana Court of Appeals reviews the judge's ruling, although both sides in the case have stated that they expect the case to end up in federal court before a final decision is reached.

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