Yang v. Leo

Chang Ho Yang (Yang) is a Korean national who lost his legs in an accident aboard the tanker Minas Leo. Yang brought suit in state court against numerous defendants who played various roles in the management, ownership or control of the Minas Leo. Yangs suit stated causes of action under general maritime law and the Jones Act, 46 U.S.C. § 688. Defendants removed the action, and the district court dismissed the suit on forum non conveniens grounds, with the condition that defendants submit to Koreas jurisdiction. On appeal, Yang argues that the district court erred in dismissing because (1) the district court erroneously concluded that Korean, rather than American, law governed the dispute, (2) Korea does not offer Yang an adequate remedy, and (3) public and private interest factors do not favor dismissal.