 |
We practice maritime law in State and Federal Courts in Maryland. Maritime law has its own sets of rule and procedures so choosing a Maryland lawyer familiar with maritime law is an important decision. Following is a sample of the types of maritime lawsuits we have handled and the success we have had with the matters.
Jordan, et ux. v. Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, et al.
On January 17, 2006 Vincent Jordan, Sr. and his son, Vincent Jordan, Jr. were fishing on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay on their vessel - the Linda Lee. They set their nets across the channel near the Key Bridge. Before the Linda Lee began to pull her nets she called to other traffic in the waterway, particularly a tug pushing a barge some distance away. Mr. Jordan's calls were not answered and his vessel proceeded across the channel.
The Linda Lee had crossed the channel and was pulling her final nets when she was struck by the barge/tug which had previously not responded to the calls. The vessel was capsized and the Jordans as well as one crew member were thrust into the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay. The Jordans waited for rescue vessels to arrive but unfortunately they arrived too late for Vincent Jordan, Sr. who died. Vince Jr. and the crew member were successfully rescued.
Amazingly the owners of the barge filed suit against Mrs. Jordan for damage to the barge when it struck (and sank) the Linda Lee. Mrs. Jordan and her son filed a maritime action in Maryland Federal Court seeking damages for wrongful death, injuries and pain and suffering. The matter was litigated for some time before it eventually settled for a confidential sum. The Jordans did not pay for the damage to the barge.
Here is an article written about the lawsuit.
Morris v. John Doe Barge
Mr. Morris was crabbing off a dock in Maryland waters. He was tending to his pots when a captain lost control of a barge that was sent crashing into the dock where Mr. Morris was crabbing. A portion of the dock was destroyed and Mr. Morris was sent into the waters of the bay. He was able to pull himself to safety and emergency personnel arrived.
Mr. Morris received medical treatment for the injuries he suffered. He was unable to return to the water for some time due to the trauma associated with this incident. Attempts were made to negotiate with the responsible party but the initial settlement offer was less than Mr. Morris' expenses. Suit was drafted and the responsible party began further negotiations. The matter settled shortly thereafter.
Skogebo v. Vichich, et al.
This matter involved a crash between two jet skis. The Defendant failed to follow the "rules of the road" applicable to maritime navigation and struck the Plaintiff's jet ski at a high rate of speed. The Plaintiff's leg was broken and he was rescued from the water before being transported by a medivac helicopter to a shock trauma unit. We filed suit in Federal Court to recover for the injuries received by the Plaintiff. A settlement was reached before trial.
