HM&B Obtained a Directed Verdict at Trial in an Shipowners’ Limitation of Liability Action

Tampa partners, Jules Massee and Whittni Hodges, obtained a directed verdict at trial in a Shipowners’ Limitation of Liability action.  The case arose from a January 14, 2018 fire aboard the M/V ISLAND LADY, while underway with 54 passengers aboard.  The Vessel burned to the waterline after all fifty-four passengers made it to shore alive.  A total of 26 claimants made claims in the Limitation Action in relation to the fire, most of which were either resolved by the parties or dismissed with prejudice. The district court held at trial that the remaining claimants failed to meet their burden by proving negligence on the part of the boat operators, and ultimately awarded the Vessel owners a final judgment of exoneration of all claims. This case was led by HM&B partners Whittni M. Hodges and Jules Massee.