The Maritime Group at LESTER SCHWAB KATZ & DWYER, LLP has the experience and depth to handle any type of maritime litigation, including:

• Claims for damage to hull and cargo;
• Defense of negligence and product liability claims for personal injury and wrongful death;
• Environmental litigation;
• Commercial litigation;
• Charter party disputes; and
• Insurance coverage litigation.

Our attorneys have represented shipowners, P&I Clubs, oil companies, trading houses, engine and component manufacturers, stevedores, and insurers in a forceful, cost-effective manner for more than a quarter century. Because the business of this firm is litigation, our attorneys are all experienced litigators who know that conscientious preparation for trial puts their clients in the best position to settle disputes on favorable terms, especially in cases involving complex technical issues. LSKD attorneys have particular expertise in maritime product liability cases in which the firm’s experience in working with nationally known experts can be dispositive.

• Defended an engine manufacturer against claims for the total loss of a containership, including multiple claims for loss of life;
• Defended stevedores against claims for the constructive total loss of a containership due to fire caused by alleged improper stowage of IMDG Class 5.1 dangerous goods;
• Defended alleged responsible parties in SuperFund actions;
• Defended cargo subrogation claims;
• Defended a claim for loss of market due to geographical deviation caused by violation of Marine Mammal Protection Act;
• Arbitrated disputes under NYPE, ASBATANKVOY, and GENCON forms before members of Society of Maritime Arbitrators;
• Recovered money for subrogated cargo underwriters;
• Assisted creditors with claims for freight, hire, and unpaid accounts;
• Assisted marine insurers with a variety of coverage and regulatory issues; and
• Resolved claims for services rendered to nationalized Iranian company before Iran-United States Claims Tribunal.
• Defended maritime component manufacturers in inquiries brought by the United States Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board.
• Defended yacht builder in product liability cases.