United States Court of Appeals
Fifth Circuit
F I L E D
December 9, 2003
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
Charles R. Fulbruge III
FIFTH CIRCUIT Clerk
_________________
No. 03-30321
(Summary Calendar)
_________________
In Re: In the Matter of the Complaint of CLEARSKY SHIPPING CORP as owner and COSCO
SHIPPING COMPANY LIMITED, as manager of the M/V Bright Field, for Exoneration from or
Limitation of Liability
-------------------------
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and Robert
D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Claimants - Appellants
versus
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT
OF NEW ORLEANS; ZURICH INSURANCE COMPANY, as the insurer of Hilton Hotels
Corporation; ZURICH INSURANCE COMPANY, as the subrogated insurer of the Museum
Company Inc; ZURICH INSURANCE COMPANY, as the subrogated insurer of Nine West Group
Inc; MASSACHUSETTS BAY INSURANCE COMPANY, as the insurer of Turquoise Gallery Inc,
doing business as St. Charles Gallery Inc; HANOVER AMERICAN INSURANCE CO, as the
subrogated insurer of Perlis Inc; Perlis Incorporated, doing business as Cajun Clothing Co, Perlis
Men's Store & Perls Corporation; HANOVER AMERICAN INSURANCE CO; INTERNATIONAL
i
RIVERCENTER; HILTON HOTELS CORPORATION; NEW ORLEANS PADDLEWHEELS
INC; SUMITOMO CORPORATION; ITOCHU CORPORATION; CARGILL JAPAN LTD
Claimants - Appellees
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
______________________________________________________
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS
Plaintiff - Appellee
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
COSCO (HONG KONG) SHIPPING COMPANY LTD; ET AL
Defendants
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and Robert
D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
QUEEN OF NEW ORLEANS AT THE HILTON JOIN VENTURE
Plaintiff - Appellee
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
COSCO (HONG KONG) SHIPPING COMPANY LTD; ET AL
Defendants
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
-2-
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and Robert
D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
NEW ORLEANS PADDLEWHEELS INC
Plaintiff - Appellee
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
COSCO (HONG KONG) SHIPPING COMPANY LTD; ET AL
Defendants
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and Robert
D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
COLOR INC, Etc
Plaintiff
versus
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS; ET AL
Defendants
INTERNATIONAL RIVERCENTER; HILTON HOTEL CORPORATION
Defendants - Appellees
and
-3-
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
YVONNE RICHARDS
Plaintiff
versus
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS; ET AL
Defendants
INTERNATIONAL RIVERCENTER
Defendants - Appellees
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
DONALD DOUGLAS
-4-
Plaintiff
versus
INTERNATIONAL RIVERCENTER INC; ET AL
Defendants
INTERNATIONAL RIVERCENTER INC
Defendants - Appellees
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
CHARLES L PORTER; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; ET AL
Defendants
INTERATIONAL RIVERCENTER; HILTON HOTELS CORPORATION
Defendants - Appellees
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
-5-
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
QIN WENG, Etc; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
THE INTERNATIONAL RIVER CENTER; ET AL
Defendants
THE INTERNATIONAL RIVER CENTER; BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF
NEW ORLEANS
Defendants - Appellees
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
WARREN AVIST; ET AL
-6-
Plaintiffs
versus
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; ET AL
Defendants
INTERNATIONAL RIVERCENTER; HILTON HOTELS CORPORATION
Defendants - Appellees
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and Robert
D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
TIE RACK INC, Etc; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS; ET AL
Defendants
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS; THE INTERNATIONAL
RIVERCENTER
Defendants - Appellees
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
-7-
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and Robert
D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
VIVIAN OUBRE
Plaintiff
versus
THE NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; ET AL
Defendants
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS; THE INTERNATIONAL
RIVERCENTER; THE HILTON HOTELS CORPORATION
Defendants - Appellees
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and Robert
D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
CORINA RATCLIFF
Plaintiff
-8-
versus
INTERNATIONAL RIVERCENTER INC; ET AL
Defendants
INTERNATIONAL RIVERCENTER; BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW
ORLEANS
Defendants - Appellees
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and Robert
D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
STEAK ESCAPE OF NEW ORLEANS INC; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; ET AL
Defendants
INTERNATIONAL RIVERCENTER; BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW
ORLEANS; HILTON HOTELS CORPORATION
Defendants - Appellees
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
-9-
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; STATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
_______________________________________________________
THE LIMITED INC, Etc; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; ET AL
Defendants
HILTON HOTELS CORPORATION
Defendant - Appellee
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and Robert
D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
VIC TUSA; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; ET AL
Defendants
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS; THE INTERNATIONAL
-10-
RIVERCENTER; HILTON HOTELS CORPORATION
Defendants - Appellees
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS INC, Etc; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS; ET AL
Defendants
THE INTERNATIONAL RIVERCENTER
Defendant - Appellee
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
-11-
______________________________________________________
HEIDI L BAYER; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; ET AL
Defendants
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT
OF NEW ORLEANS
Defendants
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
_______________________________________________________
TIME WARNER ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LP; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; ET AL
Defendants
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT
OF NEW ORLEANS
Defendants - Appellees
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
-12-
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
NEW ORLEANS PADDLEWHEELS INC
Plaintiff - Appellee
versus
DIXIE WELDING AND MACHINE WORKS INC; ET AL
Defendants
versus
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
TRIPLE D DELTA LLC; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
THE NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; ET AL
Defendants
THE NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
PORT OF NEW ORLEANS
Defendants - Appellees
-13-
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
MIKE ANDERSON'S SEAFOOD OF RIVERWALK INC
Plaintiff
versus
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; ET AL
Defendants
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT
OF NEW ORLEANS
Defendants
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
STATE FARM FIRE AND CASUALTY COMPANY, Etc; ET AL
Plaintiff
-14-
versus
ONE RIVER PLACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION INC; ET AL
Defendants
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS; NEW ORLEANS
RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES
Defendants - Appellees
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as auto mobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
ANGELINE AUGUSTINE; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; ET AL
Defendants
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT
OF NEW ORLEANS
Defendants - Appellees
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
-15-
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and Robert
D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
SPERGEON HOLLY, III; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; ET AL
Defendants
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS
Defendant - Appellee
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as aut omobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES; ET AL
Plaintiffs
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES
Plaintiff - Appellee
versus
DIXIE WELDING AND MACHINE WORKS INC; ET AL
Defendants
versus
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
-16-
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
INTERNATIONAL RIVERCENTER; ET AL
Plaintiffs
INTERNATIONAL RIVERCENTER; HILTON HOTELS CORPORATION
Plaintiffs - Appellees
versus
DIXIE WELDING AND MACHINE WORKS INC; ET AL
Defendants
versus
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
CONTINENTAL CASUALTY COMPANY, Etc
Plaintiff
versus
ONE RIVER PLACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION INC; ET AL
-17-
Defendants
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS
Defendant - Appellee
versus
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and Robert
D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
CHANTELLA SHEDRICK; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
THE ROUSE COMPANY OF COMPOANY OF LOUISIANA INC; ET AL
Defendants
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS
Defendant - Appellee
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
-18-
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automo bile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
LESLIE DOMINICK, SR; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATION LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Defendant - Appellee
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
KIMBERLY HIBBARD; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK LIMITED PARTNERSHIP; ET AL
Defendants
NEW ORLEANS RIVERWALK ASSOCIATES
Defendant - Appellee
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
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Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
JOSEPH JONES, SR
Plaintiff
versus
NEW ORLEANS PADDLEWHEELS INC
Defendant - Appellee
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
______________________________________________________
ROSEMARY LEWIS; ET AL
Plaintiffs
versus
FLAMINGO CASINO NEW ORLEANS, Etc; ET AL
Defendants
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NEW ORLEANS PADDLEWHEELS INC
Defendant - Appellee
and
LAMBERT & NELSON PLC; INDUSTRIAL RISK MANAGERS; LEGER & MESTAYER;
HERMAN HERMAN KATZ & COTLAR; BRUNO & BRUNO
Appellees
versus
FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Richard Foreman, D Kirk
Stirton and J Scott Chotin; ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY, As Automobile insurer of Betty
T Brooks; STATE FARM FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, As automobile insurer of August A
Robin; ALLSTATE INDEMNITY INSURANCE COMPANY; STATE FARM MUTUAL
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, as automobile insurer of Jerome L Goldman and
Robert D Rogers, Sr; ET AL
Appellants
Appeal from the United States District Court
For the Eastern District of Louisiana
USDC No. 97-CV-1343
Before BARKSDALE, EMILIO M. GARZA, and DENNIS, Circuit Judges.
PER CURIAM:*
This case arises out of the allision of the M/V BRIGHT FIELD with the New Orleans
Riverwalk in December 1996. Over 1500 personal injury and property damage claims were filed
against the vessel interests. The vessel interests, in turn, filed a limitation of liability action seeking
exoneration from or limitation of liability in the district court. The district court consolidated the
various actions arising from the allision, stayed them pending resolution of the limitation of liability
*
Pursuant to 5TH CIR. R. 47.5, the court has determined that this opinion should not
be published and is not precedent except under the limited circumstances set forth in 5TH CIR. R.
47.5.4.
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action and appointed lead counsel. The district court subsequently appointed the appellants
(“Attorneys”) as co-lead counsel to protect the interests of the property claimants. The district judge
then established a compensation plan to reimburse attorneys who performed for the common benefit.
The plan required each settling party to contribute 4% of its individual settlement into an interest-
bearing account (“the fund”) for the common benefit, to be paid from the individual party’s attorney’s
fee.
After settling the claims of the property claimants, leaving only the perso nal injury claims
outstanding, the Attorneys moved the district court to be excused from this requirement. The district
judge denied the motion, concluding that although the Attorneys’ work benefitted the common good,
it would be more equitable to require payment by all claimants, and settle the fund at the conclusion
of litigation, rather than in a piecemeal fashion. The district court awarded common benefit costs but
deferred consideration of common benefit attorneys fees claims until the conclusion of litigation. The
district court also denied the Attorneys’ motion for exoneration and return of their contributions to
the fund. The Attorneys appeal the denial of this motion, claiming that the fund is inequitable.
This Court has jurisdiction to hear appeals of interlocutory orders in the limited circumstances
found in 28 U.S.C. § 1292. O’Donnell v. Latham, 525 F.2d 650, 652 (5th Cir. 1976). The Attorneys
assert that jurisdiction is proper under 28 U.S.C. § 1292(a)(3), which allows appeals of
“[i]nterlocutory decrees of such district court or the judges thereof determining the rights and
liabilities of the parties to admiralty cases in which appeals from final decrees are allowed.” 28 U.S.C.
§ 1292(a)(3). Courts construe this provision narrowly. Treasure Salvors v. Unidentified Wrecked
and Abandoned Sailing Vessel, 640 F.2d 560, 564 (5th Cir. 1981). Even if an order has important
procedural consequences, it is not appealable if it does not determine the rights or liabilities of the
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parties. In Re Ingram Towing Co. 59 F.3d 513, 517 (5th Cir. 1995).
The denial of the motion for exoneration and return of the Attorneys’ contributions to the
fund does not determine their rights or liabilities. It does not determine whether the Attorneys have
a substantive right to the money. The district court will determine the Attorneys’ claim to the funds
at the conclusion of the litigation. If the Attorneys are not justly compensated they can appeal the
distribution at that time. Accordingly, because the rights or liabilities of the parties were not
determined by the denial of this motion, this Court does not have jurisdiction to hear this interlocutory
appeal. It is hereby DISMISSED for lack of jurisdiction.
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