BATON ROUGE – A product liability lawsuit has been filed against Motorola and Panasonic alleging defective lithium-ion batteries and/or chargers designed and distributed by the defendants caused a fire on an oil tanker while it was docked in Baton Rouge.
New Trend, Stalwart Management and Swiss Re International SE filed a lawsuit in federal court against Motorola Solutions, Panasonic Corporation of North America, and others, citing causes of action including product liability under maritime law, Louisiana Products Liability Act claims, redhibition claims and claims for damages.
According to court documents, on November 13, 2022, a fire broke out on the M/T S-Trust, an oil tanker vessel, while the vessel was docked at the Genesis Port Allen Terminal in Baton Rouge. The fire caused significant damage to the vessel and is alleged to have originated from defective lithium-ion batteries and/or battery chargers designed, manufactured, labeled, marketed, sold, supplied, imported and/or distributed by the defendants.
The plaintiffs, including New Trend – the registered owner of the vessel – and Stalwart – the commercial, technical and crew manager of the vessel – claim substantial damages to the S-Trust's bridge and equipment, including navigation systems, communications systems and alarm systems beyond repair.
The lawsuit asserts admiralty jurisdiction and claims under maritime law and Louisiana state law. The defendants are accused of designing, manufacturing, labeling, marketing, supplying, selling and distributing the allegedly defective batteries and chargers which allegedly caused the fire. The plaintiffs further claim the defendants had knowledge of the use of their products in Louisiana and are liable for the damages caused by the fire.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages, including amounts paid by underwriters to New Trend and Stalwart, as well as additional damages for loss of use and other expenses not covered by the insurance policy. The plaintiffs request a judgment in their favor for damages, plus interest, attorney fees, court costs and other relief.
The plaintiffs are represented by Alan Davis, Ashley L. Belleau and Lorin Scott of Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard in New Orleans with additional counsel from Dimitri P. Georgantas and Eugene W. Barr of Royston, Rayzor, Vickery & Williams in Houston.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana case number 3:23-cv-01589