Limitation of Liability Act

Posted by: rzehl
May 19, 2008
Topic: General Maritime Claims

Congress passed the Limitation on Liability Act in 1851 to encourage the building of new ships and to reassure capitalists that the ship-building industry was a good place to invest money. The Act also had the purpose of leveling the global playing field since most other maritime nations already had their own limitation acts in place by that time. This Act allows a vessel owner to limit liability for damage or injury, as long as the incident occurred without the owner's privity or knowledge, to the value of the vessel or the owner's interest in the vessel. In essence, a vessel owner may limit his liability so that it does not exceed the amount or value of his interest in the vessel.

The Texas maritime law firm of Fitts Zehl, LLP is ready to evaluate your claim. We represent clients from all over the Gulf Coast including Houston, New Orleans, Corpus Christi and Mobile. Contact the experienced offshore attorneys of Fitts Zehl, LLP by email at info@gulfcoastmaritimelawyer.com or by phone at (800) 993-4887.

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