Change in Maritime Law Would Lift Liability Limits

Survivors of maritime catastrophes like the Deepwater Horizon would have more clout in recovering damages from liable companies if a bill in the Senate becomes law.

The Fairness in Admiralty and Maritime Law Act would lift the limitations of liability of carriers, allow victims or survivors to recover wages and permit personal and wrongful death claims resulting from explosions or leaks of oil from vessels and offshore drilling rigs.

The bill also would allow survivors to claim punitive damages in a maritime disaster. The Jones Act, which is tried in admiralty court, restricts claims to actual damages.

The measure is sponsored by Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.V.

-- Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.