Glenda Carole Desenne v. Jamestown Boat Yard, Inc.

FRANK M. COFFIN, Senior Circuit Judge.

Plaintiff DeSenne suffered serious injury when the boat on which she served as a crew member sank at sea. She filed this diversity action against Jamestown Boat Yard, Inc. (Jamestown) alleging that its negligence in making repairs caused her injuries. Prior to this lawsuit, plaintiff settled her claims with the vessel’s owners and insurer and gave a release of all her rights. The appeal raises two questions: was the release champertous and void under Rhode Island law? and, if not, should the release nevertheless be reformed so as to convey plaintiffs…