Carriers think they’re untouchable. They wreck your cargo, deny the claim, and hide behind $500 COGSA limits. I’ve sued them. Won. Here’s exactly how you sue shipping company for cargo damage and get every penny back. Don’t let them cheat you. The law lets you punch through their defenses if you know where to hit.
USCG Documentation vs. State Registration: The $26 Difference Protecting Your Boat
In my practice, I often handle the sale of vessels. The first question I ask a seller is, “Is the boat Documented?” If the answer is “No, it just has a Florida title,” the transaction immediately becomes more dangerous for the buyer. Why? because state titles are notoriously easy to forge or “wash” of liens. […]
Understanding Bills of Lading: Basics for Small Operators
If you run a small shipping business, the bill of lading is one document you can’t ignore. It’s more than a receipt – it’s the backbone of cargo handling. Here’s a clear look at what you need to know.
Importing a Sailboat to the USA: The Legal Traps
Executive Summary: Buying a sailboat in the Caribbean or Mediterranean often looks like a bargain—until you try to bring it home. While most buyers obsess over the 1.5% import duty, the real legal risks lie in EPA engine compliance and Jones Act trade restrictions. Failing these checks can turn an asset into a liability you […]
Competitor Unfair Practices in Shipping: Legal Remedies & How to Protect Your Business
They tried to cheat me. A competitor. Someone I’d known for years in the shipping trade. When they thought I wasn’t looking, they started spreading lies about my services, undercutting my rates to steal my clients, and telling my suppliers I was going out of business. I watched good customers slip away because of dirty […]
Financial Planning After Your Spouse’s Maritime Injury: Insurance, Benefits & Lawsuits
The call came at the worst possible time. Your husband was injured on the rig. Maybe it was a fall. Maybe a piece of equipment malfunctioned. Maybe something went terribly wrong during a routine task. Now you’re facing questions you never expected to have to answer. How will you pay the bills next month? What […]
Maintenance and Cure: Why Your $40/Day Check Is Illegal
Immediate Action: If you are receiving $30 or $40 a day for “maintenance,” you are likely being underpaid. Do not sign any agreement stating this rate is final. If you are a seaman injured on the job, you are entitled to “Maintenance and Cure.” This is the most basic, ancient right in maritime law. Yet, […]
The Unseaworthiness Doctrine in Maritime Law: How It Increases Settlements
Executive Summary: Most injured workers focus on “negligence”—proving their boss made a mistake. But maritime law offers a more powerful weapon: the Unseaworthiness Doctrine. This rule makes vessel owners strictly liable for unsafe conditions, regardless of fault. Understanding this can double the value of your claim. When I review a new case, I don’t just […]
Offshore Wrongful Death Settlements: Real Cases and What Families Received
You’re searching for answers. Your family has suffered an unthinkable loss. An offshore worker—your husband, your father, your son—was killed while working on a rig, vessel, or platform. The grief is overwhelming. But in the middle of that pain, you need to know one thing: what will happen to your family now? What kind of […]
How to Prevent Cargo Claims: A Shipowner’s Guide for 2026
Cargo claims are a major headache for any shipping business. In 2026, stakes are higher than ever—laws are strict, and reputations are everything. Here’s a tough, step-by-step guide for shipowners to prevent cargo claims and keep your operation running smooth.