Tetra Applied Technologies, L.P. v. Louisiana Workers Compensation Corp.

EDITH H. JONES, Circuit Judge:

This appeal arises in the context of a federal court action filed by a drilling rig owner (Tetra) seeking exoneration from, or limitation of, liability under the Limitation Act, 46 U.S.CApp. § 183. The district court refused to lift its stay of state court proceedings because plaintiff Leger refused to stipulate to exclusive federal court jurisdiction over Tetra’s claim of exoneration from liability. We reverse and remand, and reiterate our prior holding that an exoneration stipulation is not required to protect a shipowner’s rights under the Limitation Act.

I.…