Vinson v. American Bureau of Shipping

Appellant, Harrison Vinson, challenges the trial court’s order dismissing, under the doctrine of forum non conveniens, his personal injury lawsuit against appellees, American Bureau of Shipping (“ABS”); GlobalSantaFe Drilling Corporation, GlobalSantaFe Corporation, GlobalSantaFe Offshore Services, Inc., and GlobalSantaFe Operations (collectively, “GlobalSantaFe”); and National Oilwell L.P., National Oilwell Varco, L.P., and National Oilwell Norway, A.S. (F/K/A Hydralift A.S.A.) (collectively, “NOV”). In three issues, Vinson contends that this Court lacks jurisdiction over this appeal because the trial court’s order dismissing his lawsuit against all appellees does not dispose of all other parties and claims that were before the trial court, the trial court abused its discretion in dismissing his lawsuit under the doctrine of forum non conveniens, and the trial court’s order dismissing his lawsuit violates his right to a jury “by forcing him to litigate in a country without American constitutional protections.”*fn1

We deny the motions to dismiss the appeal, reverse the trial court’s order dismissing Vinson’s lawsuit against appellees, and remand for proceedings consistent with our opinion.