Admiralty and Maritime Lawyers in American Samoa

Representing Vessel Owners and Managers in American Samoa

If your company conducts business operations in the Pacific Ocean, representation from a lawyer practicing admiralty and maritime law can help you guard against the significant risks inherent in marine operations, as well as defend maritime disputes when they arise. The laws that apply to such operations are unique and complex and often involve international interests, but Mooney Wieland Warren PLLC’s attorneys are well-versed in the myriad federal statutes, regulations, and general maritime law that apply to U.S. flagged vessels operating on the high seas or in U.S. or international waters.

We can advise clients and help them litigate matters involving:

Jones Act and Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) claims
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act claims
Vessel collisions and allisions
Foreclosure of vessel mortgages and maritime liens
Vessel arrest and release
Marine casualty investigations
Cargo damage claims
Commercial fishing operations
Salvage and wreck recovery

These are just a few of the common issues our admiralty and maritime lawyers in American Samoa help marine business owners deal with. If you need assistance with a legal matter concerning business operations at sea, reach out to Mooney Wieland Warren for help.

Jones Act and Death on the High Seas Act Claims

Working at sea is dangerous, and marine employers assume many risks when they employ crew members working aboard commercial fishing vessels, cargo carriers, and other seafaring vessels. Serious injuries and death can unfortunately occur at sea, subjecting a marine employer to personal injury, wrongful death, and maintenance and cure claims under the US Jones Act and Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). As an approved correspondent for P&I clubs and other marine insurers, Mooney Wieland Warren PLLC is a strong advocate for marine employers defending such claims, including vessel arrests securing such claims, in U.S. federal court and the High Court of American Samoa.

Vessel Collisions and Allisions

The Pacific is an expansive body of water, but that doesn’t always mean vessels stay clear of each other. When a vessel you own or operate collides with another vessel or stationary object, causing damage, crew injury, or death, a legal dispute may inevitably arise. Mooney Wieland Warren PLLC’s admiralty and maritime attorneys in American Samoa are experienced in litigating vessel collision and allision claims under the general maritime law in U.S. federal courts and the High Court of American Samoa, including claims for negligence under the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and other applicable navigational and safety rules. We act for H&M insureds and insurers to recover the costs of major vessel repairs and loss of use damages, as well as for P&I club members in defending related personal injury and death claims.

Vessel Arrest and Release

Admiralty/maritime claims often involve actions in rem against a vessel itself, in which a vessel is arrested in port to secure and satisfy a maritime injury or death claim, property damage claim, or vessel mortgage or necessaries lien. Mooney Wieland Warren PLLC has successfully represented vessel owners and operators seeking to arrest a vessel or secure the release of a vessel from arrest under the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty or Maritime Claims. Arresting a vessel or securing its release is a complex process, particularly in the High Court of American Samoa, and our attorneys are familiar with the myriad requirements, including assisting clients in obtaining the requisite marine insurance, securing a competent substitute custodian, and securing letters of undertaking.

Why Choose Our Firm?

Clients choose Mooney Wieland Warren PLLC’s representation in their admiralty and maritime law matters because we offer the personalized touch and global reach they need to ensure success. Our admiralty and maritime lawyers in American Samoa are prepared to help companies operating in the Pacific Ocean overcome the many legal obstacles that can arise during their course of business.

Where it’s a lawsuit stemming from the injury or death of an employee at sea, reaching a resolution to a dispute with another company, or providing counsel to ensure compliance with federal statutes and regulations, Mooney Wieland Warren PLLC can help you rest assured that your interests are carefully considered in everything we do.