Admiralty Lawyer

Cruise Ship Collides With Pier in NYC

admin — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:11:53 +0000

Pier 90 at Manhattan pier in NYC was damaged recently after a collision occurred between the pier and a well-known cruise ship. Luckily, there are no reports of injuries at this time.

Officials for New York City report that the collision has damaged parking lot support beams on Pier 90, which is located on the Hudson River. Officials note that there is no risk of collapse, however, people should remain aware of other dangers as repairs are made to the pier.

The ship, Norwegian Spirit, is owned by the popular Norwegian Cruise Line. This is the second occurrence of negative media for the cruise line, as reports stated earlier this year that a woman fell from a balcony on another Norwegian ship and died off the coast of New Jersey.

Initially, the ship involved in the collision was due back to Manhattan following a cruise to the Caribbean.

If you have been injured in a cruise ship accident, it is in your best interest to contact the Admiralty lawyers of Williams Kherkher at 1-866-950-9000 to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Seaman Files Suit After Boat Capsizes

admin — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:52:33 +0000

According to a lawsuit filed back in September 2007, Sylvester Maye was thrown into the water and seriously injured when the vessel that he was working on capsized last year. Maye’s employer, Omega Protein Inc., is being sued by the employee for acting “with flagrant and malicious disregard of his health and safety.” Maye claims that his employer failed to properly maintain the vessel and did not adequately train their employees. These acts of negligence are the cause of his injuries, according to the lawsuit.

The vessel, the M/V Galveston Bay, was deployed on waters nearby Jefferson County, Texas, when it began to capsize. Mayes states that he was injured before, during, and after being thrown into the water. He states that he was barely able to pull him and others to safety during the ordeal. Mayes claims that the vessel was unseaworthy, which lead to it capsizing.

He seeks damages for pain, medical bills, mental anguish, and physical impairment.

If the negligence of your employer has caused you to be seriously injured, contact the Admiralty Lawyers of Williams Kherkher today by calling 866-950-9000.

Cruise Line to Pay Millions to Victims of Accident

admin — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:30:04 +0000

The victims of a 2003 Norwegian Cruise Line accident will be collectively recieving more than $13 million after a court ordered the cruise line to compensate the injured and the families of the 8 workers who died in the accident.

In 2003, a boiler on one of the cruise ships exploded, causing the death of 8 workers and injuring 10 others.

In addition to the $13 million in restitution, the cruise line was also ordered by a federal judge to pay a $1 million fine.

The accident occurred in May of 2003 while the SS Norway was at the Port of Miami-Dade. One of the 4 boilers on the ship unexpectedly exploded, sending dangerously hot steam and oil through parts of the ship. The workers that lost their lives in the accident suffered from severe burns caused by the steam and oil.

If you have been injured while on a cruise ship, contact the admiralty attorneys of Williams Kherkher at 1-866-950-9000 to learn more about your legal rights.

Unseaworthiness Defined

admin — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:03:13 +0000

What exactly does unseaworthiness mean? Ship owners are responsible to provide a vessel that is in a good condition and fit for use. When making an unseaworhtiness claim, the claim is filed against the ship’s owner.

Seaworthy ships should have the proper safety equipment on board as well as provide a safe place for seamen to work and sleep.

Unseaworthiness doesn’t mean that a ship is in immediate danger of sinking, but this is also a concern in some cases.

If you’ve been injured while working at sea, it’s in your best interest to consult a seasoned attorney. Contact the Admiralty Lawyers of Williams Kherkher today for a consultation. Call at 1-866-950-9000.

Fishing Boat Sinks Leaving 4 Dead and 1 Missing

admin — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:32:48 +0000

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.

Seaman settles Jones Act Lawsuit

admin — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:34:20 +0000

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.

Cruise Safety Bill for California ships

admin — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:27:59 +0000

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.

USA Horizon Lines wins Jones Act Award

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:06:12 +0000

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.

Maritime Lawsuit involving Floating Casino Employee

admin — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:47:55 +0000

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.

Charges Filed in San Francisco Bay Oil Spill Case

admin — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 21:56:35 +0000

Federal prosecutors have filed charges against the pilot of a ship which spilled some 53,000 gallons of oil into San Francisco Bay in November of last year, killing an estimated 2,000 birds, including endangered and threatened species.

Captain John Cota faces up to 18 months in prison and a $100,000 fine if convicted of criminal negligence and breaking federal environmental laws. According to the suit, Cota failed to adequately use the ship’s radar to navigate, failed to review the planned course with the captain, and failed to utilize other navigational aids to prevent an accident. Cota disputes the charges.

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