There are two main regulations that address maritime issues in the United States. They are the Jones Act and the Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Maritime workers may file claims under both. Regulations The Jones Act requires that all goods...
Long Beach Maritime, Transportation And Business Law Blog
Your business’ structure can expose or shield you from liability
One important topic to keep in mind when choosing the type of business that you want to form is whether you will be personally liable for the actions of the business. Personal liability can expose you to significant financial ramifications should your business go...
Maritime tragedy triggers legislative change
On December 23, 2022, the Small Passenger Vessel Act (SPVA) was signed into law carving out small vessels from the protection of the Limitation of Liability Act of 1851 and thereby exposing them to liability for any and all losses resulting from a maritime accident....
California truckers must figure out how to drive around new law
Driven by unions’ quest for more workers under their wing and a political impetus to disrupt the gig economy of companies like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash, a new bill is set to shake up many businesses in the transportation industry. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed California...
Valuing a business for a purchase
Perhaps your small business is ready to expand, and you're thinking the best way to do that is by purchasing another small business. How can you determine a fair price? Valuation is difficult in all kinds of purchases, but can be especially tricky in the purchase of a...
Handling maritime business ownership transfers
When a business owner first starts their maritime business, they often have plans to grow the business over time. However, if the business is not as successful as they hoped it would be, an owner may choose to walk away from the business they built and transfer the...
Understanding the difference between common and private carriage
Californians see and use a variety of transportation modes every day. These modes range from taxi cabs to planes, trains, ships and semi-trailer trucks. From a legal standpoint, these transportation modes fall into two broad categories: private or contract carriage...
What are your rights under the Carmack Amendment?
Moving products in and out of California is something that happens every day, but it is also a very complex system. It involves different carriers that transport over both land and sea. However, the only thing that matters in the shipping industry is that the products...
What is the Death on the High Seas Act?
Many California residents enjoy a lucrative and exciting career in the maritime industry. However, maritime work carries a higher risk of injury and death than many other industries, and because of that, there are laws to protect workers and their families. One of...
Preparing for the sale of your business
Selling a business can be the capstone of a career and provide assets for your future commercial or personal plans. But it can be a full-time process and requires preparation. Significant transaction A business sale is among the most consequential business...