Viator v. DAUTERIVE CONTRACTORS, INC.

ORDER AND REASONS

MARTIN L.C. FELDMAN, District Judge.

Before the Court are two motions: (1) Magnolia’s motion to remand; and (2) Steamship Mutual’s motion to dismiss pending arbitration. For the reasons that follow, the motion to remand is DENIED, and the motion to compel arbitration is GRANTED subject to the reasons below.

Background

This removed lawsuit has a tortured state court history. In the underlying personal injury action, Larry S. Viator, an employee of Dauterive Contractors, was injured while aboard the MAG II (a barge owned by Magnolia Quarterboats and chartered by Western…