6th Circuit Confirms International Arbitration Award Against Merchant Seamen

CINCINNATI-The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a lower court order confirming an international arbitration award of fees and costs in favor of two mutual indemnity associations that denied claims for asbestos-related injuries by a group of merchant seamen. August AASMA, et al. v. West of England Shipowners Mutual Insurance Association, Ltd., et al., No. 03-3223 (6th Cir.).

In a May 19 decision, the 6th Circuit panel court rejected arguments by August AASMA, the seamen's group, that the award violated public policy or that the interest rate added to the award of costs was punitive and unenforceable.

The group …