Losing a loved one at sea is devastating. Families who bring maritime wrongful death cases on behalf of lost loved ones must navigate federal statutes, complex jurisdictional rules, and tight deadlines in addition to navigating their own pain and grief. This guide provides an overview of legal options, discusses who may be liable in maritime…
Written by Nicholas J. Neidzwski on September 11, 2025
Losing a loved one in a tragic incident at sea is devastating, especially when the loss occurs due to negligence or misconduct. The Death on the High Seas Act offers a crucial legal pathway for families seeking justice when a wrongful death happens more than three nautical miles from U.S. shores. Whether the incident involves…
Yacht collisions can cause catastrophic damage, leading to devastating fatalities, damage to waterways, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage. When these rare accidents occur, it’s crucial that other yacht owners, maritime workers, and employers learn important lessons so we can avoid making the same mistakes again. At the same time, it’s crucial…
On March 26, a 200-million pound cargo vessel slammed into the iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing a total collapse and sending multiple cars into the Patapsco River. Six people are believed to be dead while another person is believed to be in critical condition at a local trauma center. The injuries suffered…
Written by Nicholas J. Neidzwski on March 28, 2024
Yesterday, the Guardian newspaper in London reported that Carnival Cruise Lines has initiated discussions regarding compensation for survivors of the recent Costa Concordia shipwreck. This development raises concerns that Carnival may be trying to quickly settle claims with survivors and the families of the deceased before they retain legal representation. Such practices are common in…
The Superior Court of New Jersey in Latter v. 3M Company, No. L-10370-08, 2015 WL 868048 (March 3, 2015) reversed the trial court’s grant of summary judgment against a deceased seaman, Mr. Henry Latter. Mr. Latter died from mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure which Mr. Latter alleged occurred in part while he was…
In the aftermath of the Costa Concordia disaster, lawsuits are being filed on behalf of passengers who survived the tragedy. According to an article in the Miami Herald, two New York law firms claim to be representing hundreds of passengers seeking compensation. The shipowner, Costa Cruises, has offered 11,000 euros (approximately $14,500) to settle claims…