Little-known law could work in Transocean's favor

Andy Segal
CNN Special Investigations Unit

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/US/06/10/gulf.oil.spill/c1main.jpg caption="The Limitation of Liability Act of 1851 meant to keep U.S. Merchant Marine competitive." width=300 height=169]

They are the first victims of the oil disaster that has devastated the Gulf region: 11 oil rig workers killed on April 20 when the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded, torching the sky and puncturing the sea.

Their remains have been lost in the Gulf of Mexico. At least 17 others were injured in the massive explosion.

Victims and their families are suing BP and Transocean, the Swiss-based company that owns the drilling rig.

But getting a settlement from Transocean, the world's largest offshore drilling company, could be difficult.

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