What is the law of limitation of liability?
The law of limitation of liability is an important part of maritime law in Washington. It is the legal principle that vessel owners and charterers are not liable for damages beyond a certain cap. This cap is intended to protect vessel owners and charterers from excessive damages in cases of accidents, acts of nature, or other maritime hazards on the water. Generally speaking, the limitation of liability applies to most claims arising out of a maritime accident, except for damages caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct. For example, the courts may find an owner or charterer liable for an accident caused by careless navigation, but the court may limit the amount of damages that the owner/charterer can be held liable for. The limitation of liability has been a prominent part of maritime law in Washington since the 19th Century. In the past, vessel owners had a near-absolute right to limit their liability for damages, regardless of their negligence. Fortunately, recent changes to the law have made it easier for injured people to get fair compensation for damages arising out of a maritime accident. Overall, the law of limitation of liability is an important part of maritime law in Washington. Its purpose is to protect vessel owners and charterers from excessive damages in the event of an accident, act of nature, or other maritime hazard. Recent changes to the law have made it easier for injured people to receive full compensation for their claims.
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