Bland & Partners Wins Defense Limitation Action

Following a collision between a chemical tanker and a cargo ship that occurred on the Houston Ship Channel, Susan Noe-Wilson and Alan Folger of Bland and Partners proceeded with a Limitation Action in federal court in the Southern District of Texas seeking to exonerate or limit the liability of its client and its towing vessel. Claims totaling over $6,000,000 were filed in the Limitation Action for hull damage, cargo damage, loss of hire, temporary and permanent repairs, and other expenses caused by the collision. The trial was bifurcated, with the court addressing liability first. After considering the evidence, the Court granted a defense verdict in favor of the towing vessel and its owner, exonerating them from liability. In re the Complaint of the Tug Mr. Earl, LLC, as owner of the Mr. Earl, No. 4:12-cv-01292, Rec. Doc. 90.