SMSH Defeats Another Limitation of Liability Complaint

Maritime attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP (SMSH) defeated yet another Limitation of Liability Complaint filed by a shipowner in response to an accident on water.

SMSH represents the family of an 8-year-old boy who sustained life-threatening injuries during a recreational jet boat tour.  After the family sued the shipowner, the shipowner filed a complaint in federal court to limit its liability to the value of the jet boat.  SMSH fought to dismiss the Limitation of Liability Complaint and the federal district court judge issued an order granting the dismissal Tuesday.  The shipowner will now have to face the family in state court without the protection of the Limitation of Liability Act.

This victory comes at a prominent time as shipowner Tote Maritime recently filed its own Limitation of Liability Complaint in the aftermath of the S.S. El Faro disaster.  The sinking of El Faro claimed the lives of all 33 crewmembers onboard.  Tote Maritime’s legal maneuver seeks to cap the damages available to the families affected by the tragedy.  SMSH is one of the few firms that has taken a Limitation of Liability proceeding to trial – and won.  Its maritime attorneys routinely fight Limitation of Liability Complaints on behalf of individuals involved in national and international maritime accidents.

About Shaffer & Harris

The maritime attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers have spent decades helping victims of all types of accidents. Combined, their attorneys have more than 100 years of trial experience in maritime, auto and industrial accidents.

If you are a seaman, offshore worker, or port worker who was injured as a result of negligence, contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a maritime injury attorney at SMSH. Legal assistance is available both in English and Spanish (Español).