Admiralty & Maritime

Steady Counsel in Unpredictable Waters

Maritime claims demand a nuanced understanding of both legal and industry-specific factors, where the rules of the sea often diverge from those on land. At Fields Howell, we have successfully defended a broad range of admiralty and maritime matters, including personal injury claims, wrongful death suits, property damage, and cargo loss. Our attorneys represent cruise lines, commercial shipping companies, recreational boat owners, and excursion operators throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

We regularly handle claims involving cruise ship passengers, crew members, and shore excursion participants, many of which require navigating the Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), and general maritime law. These cases often involve jurisdictional challenges, complex coverage questions, and disputes over forum selection or choice of law. Our team is well-versed in litigating these issues, and we advise clients on minimizing risk before incidents occur.

In addition to litigation, we provide detailed coverage analysis to marine insurers, addressing issues related to hull and machinery, protection and indemnity (P&I), and marine liability policies. We also assist clients with policy drafting, claims monitoring, and settlement negotiations. Whether resolving a cargo loss dispute or defending a high-profile injury case, Fields Howell offers precise, reliable legal support to help clients weather even the roughest legal waters.