Maritime Advice & Litigation
The Riess LeMieux team can assist with any legal matter that may arise for clients whose business centers on vessels and the waterfront. Our experience stems from more than 50 years as counselors and litigators in this area of the law. Our maritime attorneys often handle legal matters before state and federal courts, as well as regulatory agencies that include the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Department of Labor, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Transactions on the Waterfront
We handle all types of commercial transactions involving the acquisition and sale of vessels, including registration in the most appropriate country, financing matters, negotiating closings, drafting charter agreements, and resolving Coast Guard-related legal matters. We are well-equipped to place liens on vessels and adhere to national and international measures to effect enforcement of those liens.
Jones Act Claims
Our lawyers regularly handle claims that arise from Jones Act and personal injury that occurs at sea, including helicopter accidents at drop-offs onto drilling rigs, slip and falls on boat decks, crane injuries, abandonment of vessels due to adverse events, and other matters. What sets our firm apart is our ability to respond quickly and knowledgeably to our clients’ concerns, both in day-to-day matters and during rapidly emerging situations that can occur after serious maritime accidents involving catastrophic injury and fatalities.
Recent News
Legal Update: Weber v. BNSF Railway Company (Feb. 2021)
A recent federal court decision reiterates the importance of employers enforcing employee attendance policies to defend against potential lawsuits. In Weber v. BNSF Railway Company, the U.S. Fifth Circuit affirmed summary judgment disposing of an employee’s failure-to-accommodate claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), holding that regular worksite attendance, notwithstanding a diagnosis of epilepsy, was an essential job function.
Michael Blackwell Named as Chair of the NOBA Construction Law Committee for the Fourth Year
Riess LeMieux commends partner Michael Blackwell for being recognized on the cover of the New Orleans Bar Association’s monthly publication Briefly Speaking. Michael has served as the Chair of the NOBA Construction Law Committee for four consecutive years.
