Owner of M/Y Mad Max Files Petition for Exoneration or Limitation of Liability After Maritime Incident in Florida
The owner of the motor yacht M/Y Mad Max has filed a federal petition in the Southern District of Florida seeking exoneration from or limitation of liability for claims arising from a recent maritime incident involving the vessel. The petition, filed May 14, 2025, is styled In the Matter of the Complaint of Bradley R. Perry as Owner of the M/Y Mad Max, Case No. 1:25-cv-22217-RAR.
Limitation of Liability Action Filed Under Federal Admiralty Law
According to the petition, Bradley R. Perry, a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska, is the registered owner of the M/Y Mad Max (Hull ID #VIC44404A424), which is registered in Hollywood, Florida. The owner seeks relief under the federal Limitation of Liability Act (46 U.S.C. § 30501 et seq.), which allows vessel owners to limit their liability for claims arising from maritime incidents to the value of the vessel and its pending freight, provided the incident occurred without the owner’s “privity or knowledge.”
The complaint invokes the Court’s admiralty and maritime jurisdiction and seeks an order restraining the prosecution of any claims outside the limitation action.
Petition Asserts Right to Limit Liability for Incident Involving M/Y Mad Max
The filing states that any claims for injury, loss, or damage arising from the incident must be adjudicated in the limitation proceeding, and that the owner should be exonerated or have liability limited to the post-incident value of the M/Y Mad Max and its appurtenances.
Implications for Claimants and Vessel Owners Under the Limitation of Liability Act
This case underscores the importance of the Limitation of Liability Act in maritime law and the protections it offers to vessel owners following maritime accidents. The outcome will determine whether claimants are restricted to the vessel’s value for recovery and whether the owner can avoid liability altogether.
Involved in a Maritime Incident or Facing a Limitation of Liability Petition?
If you are pursuing claims or defending against a limitation of liability action after a boating or maritime accident, consult an experienced maritime attorney to protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.