Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Company and Rose Bing, LLC have filed a compelling legal complaint against Viet Giang Corp., alleging negligence in a fire incident that caused significant damage to their property. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, Lafayette Division, on April 21, 2025. This case underscores the importance of maritime safety and accountability.
The plaintiffs, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Company (Samsung) and Rose Bing, LLC (Rose Bing), have taken legal action against Viet Giang Corp., accusing them of negligence that led to a destructive fire. According to the complaint, the fire occurred on April 22, 2024, when it ignited on the starboard rear deck of Viet Giang's vessel, F/V ST. MARTIN, while it was moored alongside Rose Bing's vessel, F/V MICHAEL D. The blaze spread rapidly to the MICHAEL D, causing extensive damage estimated at over $358,473.54. Samsung had insured Rose Bing under Hull & Machinery Policy No. 92303007670000 and subsequently compensated Rose Bing for the damages incurred.
The plaintiffs assert that Viet Giang Corp.'s failure to maintain its vessel in a seaworthy condition and exercise reasonable care resulted in this catastrophic event. "Viet Giang owed a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances," states the complaint. It further alleges that Viet Giang failed in several areas: not inspecting or monitoring their vessel adequately; not taking prompt action to control or extinguish the fire; neglecting to use available knowledge and experience that could have prevented the fire; and failing to install appropriate fire suppression equipment aboard their vessel.
Samsung is subrogated to Rose Bing’s claims due to payments made under their insurance policy and is seeking full reimbursement from Viet Giang for all related losses and expenses. The plaintiffs are also pursuing additional damages not covered by insurance or within policy deductibles. They demand compensation for costs associated with investigation, surveying, attorneys' fees, and other recoverable damages as outlined in their claim.
The case has been filed under admiralty jurisdiction pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 9(h), given its maritime nature involving navigable waters of the United States where both vessels were situated during the incident.
Representing Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Co. and Rose Bing LLC are attorneys Joseph E. Lee III and Claire A. Campbell from Phelps Dunbar LLP based in New Orleans, Louisiana. The presiding judge for this case is yet unnamed but falls under Case ID: 6:25-cv-00522.