Our knowledgeable attorneys represent vessel owners and operators and marine facilities in connection with serious marine casualties, including crew injury or death, and vessel collisions, allisions, groundings, fires, and other losses. We routinely defend maritime litigation in state and federal courts throughout the Great Lakes region against claims involving the Jones Act, vessel unseaworthiness, maintenance and cure, petitions to limit or exonerate vessel owners from liability, vessel and cargo arrests, and seizures. We also represents shippers, charterers, logistics providers, and others in cargo claims and contractual disputes, including representation on issues concerning bills of lading, charter parties, detention and demurrage, marine salvage, carriage of goods, and NVOCC issues.

Gallagher Sharp’s attorneys are listed correspondents with several of the leading P&I Clubs in Cleveland, Toledo, and Detroit, all of whom are members of the International Group of P&I Clubs. Additionally, we work closely with a network of independent adjusting firms, accident reconstructionists, and other subject-matter experts to quickly gather facts, document and preserve evidence, and provide on-site analysis and response. Our attorneys are able to respond to a marine casualty event or other maritime emergency virtually anywhere on the Great Lakes and the surrounding inland waters, at times within minutes, and usually within hours. Our immediate emergency response capabilities ensure that the interests of our marine clients are protected when a crisis arises.