Admiralty Lawyer

A large fishing boat sank recently in the Bering Sea just off of Alaska. The Alaska Ranger began to take on water shortly after the control of the rudder was lost. When it became evident that there was no way to save the boat, a distress signal was sent out and the 47 crewmembers began to evacuate into life rafts.

The ship was owned by the Fishing Company of Alaska, a Seattle-based company. 42 crewmembers escaped with their lives, leaving 4 dead and 1 missing. The four crewmembers that died included the captain of the commerical fishing boat. A sister ship and a Coast Guard vessel helped rescue surviving crewmembers from the life rafts.

If you have been injured while at sea, contact the Admiralty lawsuit lawyers of Williams Kherkher at 1-866-950-9000 to discuss your case and to determine your legal options.

After filing a Jones Act lawsuit against the Midnight Rider for claims of unseaworthiness, seaman Jacob Robichaux and Helix Engery Solutions Group have reached a settlement. During the time of the injury, Robichaux was working on the pipelaying barge that was operating just off the shore of Texas.

He claims that he sustained his injuries in an accident that was caused by the unseaworthiness of the vessel. The lawsuit that was originally filed sought damages for the injuries that occured to his head, back and neck.

While the parties involved did not disclose the amount of the settlement, Robichaux had originally sought $5 million in damages.

For an experienced admiralty lawyer, call the Williams Kherkher law firm at 866-950-9000.

Recent concerns over crimes experienced on cruise ships has prompted the need for a cruise ship safety bill. The bill  would require for an “ocean ranger” to be present on all ships to promote passenger safety. The rangers would act as security guards, monitoring public safety and ensuring that cruise ships comply with safety and environmental regulations. Currently focusing on California ports, the bill would give California the strictest cruise ship regulations in the country.

Crimes on cruise ships seemed to have escaladed over recent years. Reports of theft, sexual assault, and missing persons have all resulted in an ever-growing number of lawsuits against cruise lines.

The cruise line industry reports that it has zero tolerance for crime, however, the increase in reported crimes occuring on cruise ships would prove otherwise. If you or a loved one has been injured while on a cruise, contact the Admiralty Lawyers of Williams Kherkher to schedule a free initial consultation. Call 866.950.9000.

United States company Horizon Lines, the nation’s leading domestic shipping and intergrated logisitics company, recently won the Jones Act Carrier of the Year for 2007.  Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. presents the annual award in order to recognize schedule reliability and customer service.  The award was presented on April 1, 2008 during a tour of Horizon Line’s Honolulu terminal.

Charles Brown III, Horizon Lines’ Vice President, said the company was “very proud to receive this recognition” for their “shared commitment to reliable deliveries, matched with superior customer service.”  Horizon Lines is the only ocean carrier that services the domestic trade of Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.  Horizon Lines operates a fleet of twenty-one United States flag containerships and five port terminals linking the continental United States with Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia, and Puerto Rico.

Although Horizon Lines is a beacon of safety at sea, many things can go wrong on a ship at sea - often resulting in injury or death for those working aboard. If you or someone you love has been hurt as a sea worker, call an admiralty lawyer from Williams Kherkher at 866-950-9000 today.

A dealer on a floating casino who suffered debilitating flea bites is suing Casears Indiana under maritime law violations.  Lawyers for the plaintiff, Tina Condor, claim she is covered under the law because the casino is a boat.  Although the boat has rarely moved from its dock in six years, the Indiana Court of Appeals is hearing the case.

Condor suffered flea bites on her legs, arms, head and torso.  She took steroids to suppress her body’s reaction to the bites, which caused her to have two heart attacks as well.  Her lawsuit accuses Casears Indiana casino of negligence to maintain seaworthiness under the provisions of the Jones Act.

Casears Indiana casino’s lawyers argue that the ship no longer transports cargo or crew and therefore should no be considered a marine vessel.

For an experienced admiralty lawyer, call the Williams Kherkher law firm at 866-950-9000.