Posts by Latti Associates LLC
The Value of Pain and Suffering: Latti & Anderson Secures $1.1 Million Settlement After Air Horn Blast Causes Ear Damage to Crew Member
Sometimes, life-changing injuries leave visible scars or obvious indications that the victim’s body has been damaged. But other times, the signs of irreparable harm can’t be seen at all. That was the case for an injured crew member who suffered permanent damage to her ears while working on a passenger schooner in the Caribbean. The…
Read MoreTrial Report Forms: Lisfranc Fracture Foot
Despite attempts to prove that the crew member of a fishing vessel was responsible for his own injuries because he had been standing in a dangerous area, the team at Latti Associates prevailed in negotiations. It succeeded in obtaining a settlement of $1,751,450. The crew member suffered permanent injuries to his foot due to an…
Read MoreWorkplace Discrimination and Harassment of Mariners
If you are a mariner who has experienced discrimination, harassment, racism, sexism, a hostile work environment, or any other type of actionable discrimination at sea, you are not alone. The maritime industry is known for its unique and often harsh working conditions and environment, especially when compared to land-based work. But maritime employers are subjected…
Read MoreLatti & Anderson, LLP Honored for Achieving Top Settlement of the Year for Clients
At the recent Leaders in Law Awards ceremony, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly presented the team at Latti Associates LLC with top honors for recovering the highest settlement for clients in the state during 2023. The professional journal also honored us by publishing a full description of the case, including the legal hurdles we had to overcome…
Read MoreNational Safe Boating Week Kicks Off Before Memorial Day
The U.S. Coast Guard designates the week prior to Memorial Day each year as National Safe Boating Week. This holiday weekend serves as the unofficial start of summer and boating season, so it is the best time to remind people of the steps they need to take to stay safe on the water and be…
Read MoreWhat Is a Claim and Answer For Petition For Limitation Of Liability?
If you’ve been injured in an accident on the water, whether in a collision between two vessels, an allision where one vessel hits a stationary object, or any injury while you’re a passenger on a boat, you might receive a certified letter in the mail that a Petition for Limitation of Liability has been filed.…
Read MoreThe “Titanic Law” Has Been Invoked After the Key Bridge Collapse: What Does it Mean When a Limitation of Liability Petition is Filed?
The Limitation of Liability, aka the “Titanic Law,” has been in the news since the M/V DALI crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge. On April 1, 2024, the owners of the M/V DALI, Grace Ocean Private Limited and Manager Synergy Marine PTE LTD, filed a Petition for Exoneration From Or Limitation of Liability in…
Read MoreHow a Petition for Limitation of Liability Can Affect Recovery After a Boat Accident
As we approach the warmer weather and recreational boating begins, it is important to know about aspects of the maritime law that affect liability on the water. The Limitation of Liability Act is an arcane law that can limit the amount an injured person or estate recovers when there is a collision or other incident…
Read MoreNTSB Urges Vessel Owners to Provide Personal Locator Devices for Their Crews
Citing numerous instances where the use of personal locator devices could have potentially prevented casualties at sea, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a new safety alert recommending that the owners and operators of vessels equip crew members with personal locator devices. While the U.S. Coast Guard does not yet require the provision of…
Read MoreSchooner Injuries Highlight Risks for Cruise Passengers
A fall foliage cruise aboard the historic schooner S/V GRACE BAILEY turned into a deadly tragedy when, without warning, the vessel’s main mast snapped and dropped to the deck. The mast collapse killed one person and seriously injured three others. Although the cause of the break is still under investigation, speculation suggests that more frequent…
Read MoreWakes Happen: Boat Operators Have a Duty to Be Aware of Circumstances and React Accordingly
With only several weekends left of the summer and recent tragedies on the water, it has called attention to an all-too-common problem that passengers and boat operators need to keep in mind. In a recent incident, an 11-year-old girl was killed after she and eight other people were knocked overboard by the force of a…
Read MoreRecreational Boating Safety Can Prevent Senseless Tragedies
The word “safety” causes many people to roll their eyes, especially when safety is viewed as something that takes the fun out of a recreational activity such as boating. But when lack of safety causes serious accidents such as three different boat crashes in Dennis, Massachusetts; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Lake of Ozarks, people need to…
Read MoreThe Danger of Double-Plated Hull Repairs
According to a report recently released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), it was most likely the use of double plating during the repair of a fishing vessel’s hull that caused the F/V GRACE MARIE to flood and sink off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts, last year. The agency warns against the danger this…
Read MoreOceanGate Catastrophe Highlights the Fact You Can’t Sign Away Liability for Gross Negligence at Sea
As we contemplate the Titan tragedy, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and all involved and we offer our appreciation and thanks to the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and all entities involved in the search and rescue. The very sad story of the submersible Titan submarine, which was lost for five…
Read MoreRecovery for Scallop Fisherman Injured by Boat Owner’s Refusal to Use the Non-Skid Paint
Some boat owners never learn. Recently, the team at Latti Associates recovered a $785,000 settlement for a crew member of a scallop fishing vessel after he seriously aggravated a pre-existing back injury by falling on the slippery deck. This was the third time our team had brought a claim against the owner of the vessel…
Read MoreNational Safe Boating Week: Take the Time to Prevent a Potentially Deadly Accident
While admittedly every week should be a safe boating week, this week’s formal designation as National Safe Boating Week will hopefully call attention to some critical safety measures that people often skip. A little extra time or inconvenience can make the difference between life and death on the open water. While new boaters often do…
Read MoreVessel Owner Can Be Held Liable for Attack by Crewmember
Courts and lawmakers have long treated incidents at sea by different standards than those that apply on land. “Sailors lead a rough life,” courts have noted, observing that they are “more apt to use their fists than office employees.” This characterization of maritime professions has been used as justification for not holding shipowners accountable for…
Read MoreCoast Guard Issues New Guidance for Reporting Sexual Misconduct on U.S. Vessels
Victims of sexual misconduct at sea may take some comfort in knowing that the U.S. Coast Guard has established new reporting options and consolidated reporting for all types of sexual misconduct on U.S. flagged vessels. This includes all incidents of “harassment, sexual harassment, or sexual assault” that violate company policy. The “responsible entity” of a…
Read MoreWith the Potential to Predict Rogue Waves, Cruise Ships May Soon Have a Duty to Take Adequate Precautions
Most people had never heard of the phenomenon known as a rogue wave until one such wave made recent headlines by killing a passenger on a Viking cruise ship. The wave smashed into the side of the ship, breaking numerous windows in passenger cabins. A 62-year-old woman was killed after apparently being struck by glass…
Read MoreWomen Working at Sea Face Special Challenges
While women used to be restricted to very specific jobs, today women can be found working in every industry. But in some fields, the number of females remains very limited and are only 2% of the 1.2 million seafarers worldwide. The maritime industry is one of those fields where participation by women is more of…
Read MoreNTSB Issues Safety Recommendations in Report on SEACOR Power Disaster
Early in the afternoon on April 13, 2021, the Captain of the liftboat SEACOR Power made the fateful decision to set out from Port Fourchon, Louisiana toward an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. He was sailing a crew of 19 into a severe storm with heavy rain and wind and 2-4 foot waves…
Read MoreAnother Sexual Assault Accusation: Story of Midshipman X Spawns New Allegations Against Others
Two more cadets from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy have come forward with stories of sexual assault at sea during their Sea Year Training. Coast Guard investigators found sufficient credibility to the accusations that they referred the case to federal prosecutors, and the case currently remains open. These are two of the latest allegations to…
Read MoreUnderstanding and Preventing Propeller and Other Watercraft Injuries
Boat propellers and watersports accidents frequently cause horrific injuries. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that the propeller on a typical recreational boat can inflict 160 impacts in one second. And in far less than a second, a propeller can travel down the human body from head to toe, chewing up bone and tissue and causing…
Read MoreBe on Guard Against Sexual Assault as Sea Year Resumes
Last fall’s report from an anonymous cadet at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy once again raised the ugly specter of sexual assault at sea. Her public account of rape during her Sea Year experience prompted others to come forward and share stories of similar attacks. Sexual assault is more common than most industry insiders want…
Read MoreMaritime Workers are Vulnerable to Sexual Assault at Sea
Sexual harassment and assault can be horrific in any circumstances. When a victim is assaulted on a working vessel at sea, however, the nightmare may seem to have no end. These victims of sexual misconduct are isolated from help and can be forced to live and work with their assailant under excruciating circumstances. Maritime workers…
Read MoreThe Dangers of Colder Water Temperatures
As the temperatures in the waters are decreasing with the cold weather arriving, it is important for boaters to prepare appropriately when going out. Even a temperature that doesn’t sound cold can be deadly for boaters who end up in the water. Because water that is 70 degrees or less can cause hypothermia, the U.S.…
Read MoreStaying Safe in Rough Waters
The ocean is one of the most beautiful and wild places on planet Earth, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. Injuries and deaths on the water are all too common. That’s why water safety is a critical part of boating, whether you’re on the water for work or pleasure. If you’ve been injured…
Read MoreWhat You Can Do If You Are The Victim Of Maritime Harassment
Harassment is not the first hazard people associate with working at sea, but it is a prevalent threat that causes serious harm for many mariners. If you suffered from harassment, aggressive or threatening treatment, or unwelcome sexual advances while working on a boat or ship, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you’ve…
Read MoreCommon Causes of Accidents for Maritime Workers
Dangerous accidents are unfortunately all too common for those employed on working vessels such as tugs and tankers. While every case involves unique factors, there are some mistakes that operators make over and over, sometimes with deadly results. Many of the most common causes of accidents for maritime workers can be traced to fatigue and…
Read MoreWomen’s Work: At Sea, On shore, At Home, In the Community Exhibit
On September 9th a new exhibit is opening up at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, called Women’s Work: At Sea, On shore, At Home, In the Community. The exhibit will shine a light on the many roles women play in commercial fishing communities. As Carolyn Latti, who was one of the few women maritime attorneys on…
Read MoreWhat Are The Maritime Laws Regarding Marijuana Use on Ships
Despite the trend toward legalization of marijuana in the states, the substance remains classified as an illegal drug under U.S. federal law. In fact, federal law places marijuana in the most dangerous drug category along with heroin and LSD. That means that if you’re on a boat in federally patrolled waters, you could be convicted…
Read MoreMassachusetts Lawyer Weekly Features Experienced Maritime Attorney Carolyn M. Latti
A recent ruling from a U.S. District Court determined that Massachusetts courts do not have personal jurisdiction over the Panama owner and Singapore operator of a container ship that damaged a MassPort terminal. Massachusetts Lawyer Weekly featured experienced maritime attorney Carolyn M. Latti’s take on the matter. “We see it in our cases on the…
Read MoreMore than a Job: Work and Community in New Bedford’s Fishing Industry Exhibit
If you have ever wondered what it’s like on a fishing vessel, now is the time to find out and learn about a scallop vessel. The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center has an exciting new exhibit that offers a replica of a scallop vessel. At the exhibit, you can stand in the wheelhouse, view all…
Read MoreWhat are the Most Common Accidents on Board Ships?
Unlike car accidents or slip and fall cases where attorneys see the same type of accident over and over, there is no “common” type of accident on board a ship. Each maritime accident is truly unique with an outcome based on a distinctive set of circumstances. However, in our years of practicing maritime law at…
Read MoreWe invite you to support New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, Inc.
Latti Associates LLC has been a proud sponsor of the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center for many years. Like cultural organizations around the world, the Center was forced to close to the public for nearly four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the support of generous donors, the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center has…
Read MoreJudge rules SSA negligent in 2017 fast ferry crash
A federal court judge ruled in favor of passengers and workers who were injured when the IYANOUGH crashed into a 3,000-foot-long rock breakwater in Hyannisport. On behalf of its clients, Latti Associates LLC filed a motion in Federal Court seeking the Court to find that the Steamship Authority was negligent in the crash in order…
Read MoreNew England Fishing Boat F/V EMMY ROSE Sinks
Almost a year to the date of the sinking of the New Bedford fishing vessel the F/V LEONARDO on November 24, 2019, the New England fishing community faced another tragedy with the sinking of the F/V EMMY ROSE, which is homeported in Portland, Maine and owned by Boat Aaron & Melissa, Inc. The crew on…
Read MoreBig Boats, Little Boats
Join Latti Associates LLC at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center’s Big Boats, Little Boats event on Saturday, September 28th from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Attorneys from Latti Associates LLC will be handing out free coffee mugs, scallop knives and treats for scallopers, and will be available for any maritime law questions you may…
Read MoreThe Filing of the Petition of Limitation of Liability-What Does This Mean for the Families of Passengers and Crew of the Conception?
Yesterday, the owners of the dive boat CONCEPTION, Truth Aquatics Inc., filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court in Los Angeles to limit and possibly, eliminate, their liability in the fire and sinking of the CONCEPTION and the death of 33 passengers and crew, while the NTSB and investigators are searching diligently to discover answers…
Read MoreFourth of July Boating Safety Tips
Latti Associates LLC expects the Coast Guard to be busy this coming fourth of July based upon Memorial Day numbers. Just in the Mid-Atlantic region of New Jersey to North Carolina, there were 49 search and rescue cases reported in the unofficial summer recreational boating season kickoff. Latti Associates LLC, suggests you follow the Coast…
Read MoreNew Ruling Poses Challenges to Mariners Injured on the Job
In late June, the U.S. Supreme Court passed a ruling that will affect the claims of maritime workers in personal injury and wrongful death actions. While the new ruling has created a split in the law as to the type of damages people injured or who died on the water can recover depending whether they…
Read MoreCoast Guard Report Details Findings of Concern in M/V Iyanough Crash
Last week, the United States Coast Guard, “USCG”, issued “Findings of Concern” related to the M/V IYANOUGH crash of June 16, 2017. It took nearly 2 years to complete the USCG work of the M/V IYANOUGH crash that resulted in more than 15 injuries with the investigation closed on May 24, 2019. The Investigative Report…
Read MoreWheelhouse Technology from Sounding Leads to Satellites
New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center’s Wheelhouse Technology from Sounding Leads to Satellites Exhibit June 13, 2019 Latti Associates LLC, suggests you set your GPS for 38 Bethel Street New Bedford this Thursday, June 13 at 7 pm for the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center’s Wheelhouse Technology from Sounding Leads to Satellites Exhibit. This Exhibit is…
Read MoreBoating Safety Checklist for New Englanders
New England Coast Guard Releases Boating Safety Checklist for Summer 2019 Latti Associates LLC joins the Coast Guard in welcoming the unofficial start to Summer this past weekend. The Memorial Day holiday is a special time of year for the long-suffering New Englanders who have endured cold temperatures, Nor’easters, Snow, Sleet, and just about anything…
Read MoreFree Vessel Stability Workshop for Commercial Fisherman
Free, All- Day Fishing Vessel Stability Workshop January 14, 2019 On January 14, 2019, the Fishing Partnership is having a FREE all-day Vessel Stability workshop for commercial fisherman called “Upright & Watertight.” The workshop “prepares attendees to respond to these situations by incorporating practical information with hands-on training. Attendees will review case studies of actual fishing…
Read MoreNew England Fishing Boat F/V Mistress Sinks
The New England fishing community faces a tragedy with the start of the New Year with the sinking of the F/V MISTRESS which is based out of Point Judith Rhode Island and its owner is Hope Fisheries, Inc. At approximately 1:30 am on January 1, 2019, the captain of the F/V MISTRESS issued a mayday…
Read MoreA Note from Latti Associates LLC
Latti Associates LLC would like to take a moment to wish you and your family health and happiness this holiday season. We continue to work for the maritime community in assisting with injuries or death resulting from negligence and unseaworthiness of vessels. This year, Latti Associates LLC helped a New Bedford scallop fisherman and his…
Read MoreFive Winter Boating Safety Tips You Need to Know
Winter is finally here, which means the season for water recreation is over. However, die-hard boaters and mariners often stay out on the water all year. This makes it important for these hobbyists to practice cold weather safety measures to ensure that they will make it home safe. Whether you are new to winter boating…
Read MoreWhat Lessons Did the 2017 NTSB Maritime Accident Report Teach Us?
Each year, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) puts together a report called Safer Seas Digest. This publication is aimed at helping mariners and boat owners prevent future accidents. It details the accident investigations completed that year and the lessons learned from those incidents. Here are some of the lessons we learned from this year’s…
Read MoreWhat Options Are Available to Longshoremen Who are Injured on the Docks?
The MV ANSAC Splendor was being moved to another loading hatch at the Port of Longview when something went wrong. A maritime grade line snapped and recoiled into the ship and toward the dock. The line hit at least two men and injured two others. Though one of the men who was hit went to…
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