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Our attorneys have been actively engaged in the practice of maritime law for more than 40 years. Areas of concentration include the defense of Jones Act claims, general personal injury and property damage claims insured under P&I policies, Hull policy claims, LSHWA proceedings, and regulatory agency investigations and negotiations, including the Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Our clients have included towing companies, salvage companies, landing owners, pleasure marina operators, pleasure craft owners, terminal facilities, and marine underwriters. We have also acted as counsel for steel and coal companies in maritime-related matters.
Representative Maritime Law Cases
Breakaway Cases Since 1980
1981 - J&L Barge Breakaway. Matter involved more than 55 barges. Represented bareboat charterer of tank barge in limitation proceeding. Client’s barge broke away from moorings and collided with downstream barges, precipitating breakaway of J&L Steel barge fleet and resulting in numerous claims and suits. 1982 - Maxwell Lock & Dam Event (Maxwell #1). Represented towing company in incident arising from inability of its towboat to reach safe harbor in massive ice run out. Barge in tow became lodged in dam gate, requiring draining of the 18-mile pool to free barge. Pursued limitation proceeding and contribution suit for lock and dam salvage expenses and land-based property damage claims caused when pool of dam was lowered. 1985 - Election Day Flood (Maxwell #2). Represented towing company whose barges broke away from landing during high water. Defended numerous damage claims and prosecuted damage claims on behalf of towing company. 1990 - New Year’s Day Flood. Represented towing company in multiple barge breakaway arising from high water conditions. Defended numerous damage claims and prosecuted damage claims on behalf of towing company. Pleasure Craft Marina Breakaway. Represented owner of 100-vessel pleasure craft marina whose docking system broke away in high water. Defended claims of downriver marina severely damaged by client’s breakaway docks, as well as claims of boatowners whose boats were moored at client’s marina. 1996 - Ohio River Floods. Represented landing terminal owner in multiple suits arising from record river heights in Cumberland Pool. In another case, represented towing company/landing operator in suits arising from barge breakaway from landing during record river flooding.
Jones Act and Personal Injury Cases
- Deckhand fatality resulting from unexplained disappearance while on watch.
- Deckhand fatality while towboat and tow engaged in locking procedures.
- Three fatalities when small boat capsized while taking crew to workboat.
- Covered tank barge fatality during cleaning operations.
- Amputations occurring during towing and workboat operations.
- Soft tissue, herniated disk, hernias, and other claims arising from deckhand work.
- Injuries arising from falls in barges, hatch covers, and from use of towing equipment.
- Seaman settlement hearings to obtain court approval of pre-suit settlements negotiated by insurer or insured.
- Coast Guard pilot license suspension/revocation hearings.
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