Maritime News

Transocean Ltd., the company that owns the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that exploded and sank last month, has petitioned a federal court in Houston to limit its liability for the disaster to under $27 million under the Limitations of Liability Act. Seventeen workers were injured in the April 21st oil rig explosion. Eleven others were killed.

 
This action could have several consequences for families of Deepwater Horizon victims who are seeking Jones Act damages for the loss or injury of their loved ones.

 
In addition to limiting Transocean’s liability to the current value of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, today’s request would place a stay on all litigation filed against Transocean in any jurisdiction other than the Southern District of Texas. If approved, the company could consolidate all the lawsuits filed against Transocean to be tried by a single federal judge in Houston.  

 
If granted, the petition will also shorten the amount of time that a family has to make a claim to as little as six months. Under federal maritime law, families have three years to file a Jones Act lawsuit. Today’s action could force families to file their claims while they are still dealing with the emotional aftermath of the explosion.  Although the time to file will be shortened, there may be delays for lawsuits as Transocean’s role in the explosion is investigated.

 
If you have any questions about how today’s action affects you and your family, contact the maritime attorneys at The Young Firm. Call us at 866-938-6113.

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