Just v. Chambers, 312 U.S. 383 (1941)

Just v. Chambers


No. 373


Argued February 5, 6, 1941
Decided March 3, 1941
312 U.S. 383

CERTIORARI TO THE CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT

1. The court accepts concurrent findings by two courts below on matters of fact. P. 385.

2. By the law of Florida, a cause of action for personal injury due to another’s negligence survives the death of the tortfeasor. P. 385.

3. Federal statutory provision for limitation of liability embraces claims for damages against the vessel owner for personal injuries suffered on board through his negligence. P. 385.

4. When the jurisdiction of the court of admiralty has attached through a petition for limitation, the jurisdiction to determine claims is not lost merely because the shipowner fails to establish his right to limitation. Claimants will be furnished a complete remedy by distribution of the res and by judgments in personam for deficiencies against the owner. P. 386.

5. A cause of action against the owner of the vessel for personal injuries suffered aboard on navigable waters within the boundary of a State, and which under the state law survives his death, survives also in admiralty against his estate and against the vessel. P. 391.

With respect to maritime torts, a State may modify or supplement the maritime law by creating liability which a court of admiralty will recognize and enforce when the state action is not hostile to the characteristic features of the maritime law or inconsistent with federal legislation.

113 F.2d 105 reversed.

Certiorari, 311 U.S. 634, to review a decree which in part affirmed and in part reversed an interlocutory decree of the District Court sitting in admiralty in a proceeding begun by a petition for limitation of liability. The District Court had held that certain claims for personal injuries suffered through the negligence of the vessel owner, who afterwards had died, were enforceable against his estate as well as the vessel. The Circuit Court of Appeals decided that the liability in personam did not survive the death, and that recovery was therefore limited to the value of the ship.