What We Know
We have unique experience handling diving related litigation for over 25 years. With this experience this is what we know.
What
we know is that when a diver or his/her family needs legal guidance,
counsel and representation following a casualty offshore the diver does
not want the attorney to learn about the complexities of diving as the
case progresses. The diver doesn’t want his or her attorney to gain
their experience through "on the job" training at his or her expense.
The diver doesn’t want to teach the attorney about dive procedures,
hyperbaric injury and the complex standards and equipment “on the fly”.
With over 25 years experience in the court room and "in the water" we
are not only familiar with the theoretical concepts we have practiced
our trade of diving law in the court room and dived the tables and
equipment and instructed beginner and expert divers in the principles
of diving. In investigating your claim we will dive the site when
necessary to preserve the evidence of the event. We have the knowledge
and experience to prepare the investigation protocol so that valuable
time is not wasted. We will secure the witness statements so that their
memories of the event are not lost. We will preserve the equipment or
breathing medium as soon as possible so that key evidence is preserved.
And if a death occurred we will contact the medical examiner to
determine cause of death.
We know what questions to ask, when and how to ask them so that the interests of our clients are protected.
What
we know is that if you are a commercial diver you have learned to
accept the associated dangers and willingly deal with them "on the job".
We know what it takes to help protect you from by employing the legal
protections afforded you as a maritime worker. We are committed to
stand by you and assit you when you need legal help. We are committed
to provide you consultation so that you are aware of your legal rights
so that you are equipped with the knowledge that the law is there to
serve you from the time you leave dive school to the time you are ready
to retire.
What
we know is that if you are a recreational diver that you should be
properly instructed and guided from the time you first time you first
put on a mask and snorkel. You should be provided dive gear that is
appropriately designed and manufactured. As a recreational diver you
learn fundamentals during your certification process but may not be
aware of the legal duties and obligations of the instructor, dive
master or buddy. We always seek to provide that information for you.
What
we know is that if you are a public safety diver you recognize that the
costs of protecting the public you serve oftentimes comes at a risk to
your life and those of your comrades. We know that as a public servant
you are committed to securing the skills and talents. We stand by you
to assist you in the drafting of the standards of your profession.
What
we know is that as a technical diver you are well skilled in the
technology and equipment associated with “diving where very few dare to
go”. In such an environment you should also be cognizant of the legal
duties of those who market, promote and encourage the more challenging
dives. What we know is that diving attorneys we should be well versed
in the unique areas of decompression illness, dive instruction,
certification practices of the recreational and technical agencies,
United State Coast Guard and OSHA regulations for commercial diving
industry. We pride ourselves in attempting to secure as much knowledge
as possible in these matters to better serve our clients and the diving
community. We pride ourselves at being on the cutting edge of diving
law in the following areas of the law as it relates to diving:
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death
Products Liability
Jones Act
Diver Certification standards
OSHA and USCG standards for Commercial Diving
Maritime Contracts
Vessel Charters
Salvage Rights
Vessel Documentation
