Cargo Disputes, Loss, and Damage

Almost all goods imported into the United States are imported by way of sea. Virtually every type of cargo from food all the way to oil traverse the worlds oceans to its final destination. HBN attorneys have advised and defenses shippers, ocean carriers, freight forwarders, non-vessel operating common carriers, harbor workers, marine terminals, and insurance companies in claims and lawsuits for damage or loss of cargo on navigable waters. Cargo loss and damage can be some of the most complex and unique lawsuits arising under maritime law. Often, cargo disputes arise from the cargos damage or complete loss and in order to fully defend or bring actions concern cargo, attorneys must be very familiar with the various international treaties and conventions (as well as domestic maritime laws) which effect the lawsuits. Such as, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, the Harter Act, or the Hague Visby Rules, some of which are inapplicable in certain countries and some that are partially applicable. At HBN we have attorneys who have focused their entire practice on cargo loss or damage, and are able to adequately and strategically navigate through the changing laws and international agreements to represent clients.