IN RE LOUISIANA DOCK CO., L.L.C., 157 F.SUPP.2D 1267 (S.D. ALA. 2001)

Vessel owner filed petition for exoneration from or limitation of liability for death of seaman who fell overboard and drowned while inspecting a barge tied to vessel. On claimant's motion to lift stay to allow her to proceed in state court, the District Court, Howard, Senior District Judge, held that: (1) claimant was not required to stipulate that the limitation fund that vessel owner unilaterally offered the court represented the value of the vessels involved, and (2) claimant who stipulated to limitation of liability was not required to also stipulate to exoneration in order to lift stay. Motion granted.