Back and head injuries offshore can lead to large claims, but there is no single standard payout. In maritime law, settlement value turns on the injury itself, the proof of employer fault, future wage loss, and the worker’s status under laws such as the Jones Act, LHWCA, or other offshore remedies.
Author: James Wilson
Jack-Up Rig Accidents: Who is Liable?
When a jack-up rig fails, everybody starts pointing fingers. The owner blames the contractor, the operator blames the manufacturer, and insurers start hunting for exclusions. Here is where liability usually lands, and where the real fight begins. Jack-up rig accidents are not simple workplace incidents. They sit at the crossroads of maritime law, offshore contracts, […]
The Captain Who Isn’t There: Why Autonomous Vessels Will Make Your Small Company Vulnerable (And What To Do About It)
Look, I run a family business. We’ve been doing this life – the hauling of cargo, the repairs, the keeping the water running – since before some of these fancy tech dreams were even written down. You deal with maritime law every day when you’re out there: a bad tide, a dodgy fender-bender, a shipment […]
The Digital Dread: How A Hack Can Sink Your Ship – And What the Law Doesn’t Tell You
Right, settle down. Lads. Listen up. I’ve seen my share of mess in this industry. Seen claims over dodgy cargo, faced off against competitors who think they can cheat a man out of his honest graft. I know how quick it is for legal problems to turn a good family business into nothing but scrap […]
Legal Steps After Damage to Goods in Transit
Your cargo arrives damaged. Maybe it’s a few wet boxes, maybe it’s a whole container of ruined goods. The carrier shrugs. The insurer says “prove it.” You’re left holding the bag. This is where most small shippers give up and eat the loss. Don’t. The law is on your side if you follow the steps […]
Insurance Necessities for Family-Run Shipping Companies
Running a family shipping company is not like running a corporate fleet. You don’t have a legal department, a risk management team, or a bottomless bank account. You have one ship, maybe two, and if something goes wrong, it comes straight out of your pocket. I’ve seen too many family owners learn the hard way: […]
Crew Employment Laws: What Owners Must Keep in Mind
Your crew is not just a line item in your budget. They are the people who keep your ship floating, your cargo safe, and your business alive. Treat them wrong, and you’re not just a bad boss – you’re a target for fines, detentions, and lawsuits that can shut you down. Maritime labour law has […]
Vessel Arrest in Practice: Updated 2025-2026 Procedures
Vessel arrest is the sharpest weapon a maritime creditor has. You are not just sending letters and chasing invoices. You are stopping the ship from sailing, blocking the owner’s cash flow, and forcing them to deal with you. Used right, arrest is fast, brutal, and effective. Used wrong, it backfires as wrongful arrest and damages. […]
How to Write a Strong Shipping Contract
A weak shipping contract is an open door: unpaid freight, damaged cargo, delays, and no clear way to make the other side pay. A strong one shuts that door before trouble starts. This is a straight, practical guide to writing a shipping contract that actually protects you – whether you own ships, book cargo, or […]
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.