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.
P&I Insurance Coverage: Complete Maritime Protection & Indemnity Guide
P&I (Protection & Indemnity) insurance provides third-party liability coverage for vessel owners, protecting against claims from other vessels, cargo owners, crew members, and environmental damage. This comprehensive guide explains P&I coverage types, the P&I club mutual insurance system, cost allocation mechanisms, and how P&I differs from H&M insurance in maritime operations.
Tips for Avoiding Lawsuits in the Shipping Business
Lawsuits are a headache. As a tough shipowner, I do my best to steer clear of court. Here are simple tips to help you avoid legal trouble and keep your business strong.
Maritime Liens & Vessel Arrest: Complete Legal Guide for Enforcement
Maritime liens are statutory claims securing payment for maritime services, claims, or liabilities against a vessel. When a vessel owner fails to pay maritime claims, creditors can arrest (seize) the vessel through admiralty courts to secure payment. This comprehensive guide explains maritime lien types, priority hierarchy, vessel arrest procedures by jurisdiction, and enforcement mechanisms.
Marine Insurance Claims & Coverage Disputes: Complete Industry Guide
Marine insurance claims involve complex procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving cargo damage, vessel damage, and liability claims. This comprehensive guide explains how marine insurance works (H&M and P&I coverage), the step-by-step claims process, common coverage disputes, and how to effectively navigate insurance claim resolution through negotiation, expert determination, and arbitration.