Work on docks and aboard sea-faring vessels is common in the Long Beach area. This means that there are a fair number of people each year who are injured while working on a ship, barge, or other vessel, as well as on docks and at ports. While legal action can help...
Maritime Law
Jones Act protections for injured maritime workers
The Jones Act provides important protections for seaman injured on the job. Injured seaman may be unable to work and may suffer extensive injuries and medical expenses which is why the need to be familiar with the protections the Jones Act affords. Protections for...
Appeals Court ruling will impact maritime law for injured workers
In California, there is often disagreement as to whether maritime law for injured workers is applicable in certain circumstances. Because there is significant physical exertion in the work done by longshoremen, any issue can be problematic as they try to go about...
Preventing fires on container ships
Last month’s fire on the Navy ship Bonhomme Richard was, unfortunately, nothing new for either the Navy or California’s coastal waters. If they know what caused the fire on the amphibious assault ship, they have yet to tell the public. They have, however, announced a...
Shipping and maritime law
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2020 has improved the shipping industry six months after its implementation on January 1, 2020, but the industry panel still expects an increase in dispute cases. In California, the regulation primarily sought to curb...
The complex statute of limitations in Jones Act claims
Workers compensation for maritime workers in California is much different from those who suffer work injuries on the mainland. Workers compensation laws in the 50 states are based on a different payment schedule that precludes the opportunity to file for long-term...
The maritime industry may need to address cybersecurity issues
Many California residents are working from home right now, which brings up several issues, including making sure that the information they work with remains secure. For this reason, the maritime industry may need to address cybersecurity issues. Otherwise, the...
Using ADR in licensing or regulatory disputes with the CPUC
Companies who work in the state's maritime industry may already know that they could have some dealings with the California Public Utility Commission. Those dealings may not always be amicable, and a business could end up involved in licensing or regulatory disputes...
Have you heard of the Death on the High Seas Act of 1920?
Like people across the country, some Long Beach residents take cruises. Other people may charter smaller boats for their vacations. What happens if someone dies as the result of negligence while on one of these vessels during those trips? The answer may lie in the...
California ports are struggling to remain competitive
The price of everything is going up, and it affects nearly every business, including the state's maritime industry. Even California ports are struggling to stay competitive when it comes to leasing space. One of the primary reasons is the Clean Air Action Plan.Energy...