Title VII and Sexual Harassment Claims

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e, et seq.) prohibits covered employees from discrimination based on race, color, sex,... More

The Maritime Lien

The August 31, 2016, bankruptcy of container shipper giant Hanjin Shipping Co. Ltd. has thrown ports and retailers around the world into confusion.  With... More

$23 Million Punitive Damage Award Upheld by Louisiana Appellate Court

On June 29, 2016, the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed a jury’s award of $23 million in punitive damages to the family... More

High Water and Duties of Barge Owners and Fleeters

High water is here, and it’s going to get higher before it starts dropping.  In response the U.S. Coast Guard has issued a number... More

A Case of Sexual Harassment?

Plaintiff, Valerie Russo, sued her employer, APL Marine Services, Ltd. and Captain James Londagin for sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, retaliation, negligence and unseaworthiness after... More

Investigation of Marine Casualties – Rights of Parties in Interest

When a marine casualty occurs the U.S. Coast Guard is empowered to conduct an investigation to determine “as closely as possible” the cause of... More

What to Do When Your Dock is Damaged By a Ship With a Compulsory Pilot on Board

Pilotage has existed since ancient times and is as necessary and important now to commercial shipping as it was when Roman law set forth... More

When Is A Negligent Act Intentional?

On June 12, 2009, two steelworkers, Ulvaldo Martinez and Martin Reyes, were killed when a steel reinforcing bar cage collapsed during the widening of... More

Longshoreman’s Claim Against Vessel Owner

Assume that you own a commercial vessel and decide that it is time to put her in drydock and have work done on the... More

Reporting a Marine Casualty: When is it Necessary?

Since 1986 those in the maritime industry have been required by law to submit to the US Coast Guard a Report of Marine Casualty,... More