Lewis, Rice & Fingersh, L.C. has a long admiralty practice history. The Firm represents businesses engaged in the inland waterway transportation industry throughout the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri river systems. Lewis, Rice & Fingersh, L.C. has extensive trial and appellate experience in both state and federal courts throughout the United States in admiralty and admiralty-related matters. The Firm’s admiralty practice also involves representation of clients in general corporate and transactional matters, and in government actions and United States Coast Guard hearings.

In the private litigation area, Lewis, Rice & Fingersh, L.C. has long been active in representing defendants in actions brought under the Jones Act, the Longshoremen and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, and the General Maritime Law of the United States. In addition, the Firm represents both plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving collisions, cargo damage, limitation of liability, breach of contract, commercial disputes, insurance disputes, and other admiralty-related actions. The attorneys in the admiralty practice group are also familiar with the administrative rules and procedures United States Coast Guard investigations and hearings.

Lewis, Rice & Fingersh, L.C. also counsels clients in the areas of environmental compliance, marine contracts, marine insurance, and mergers and acquisitions. Recent federal and state legislation has increased the Firm’s involvement in advising clients regarding environmental compliance, and potential liability for environmental accidents.

Lewis, Rice & Fingersh’s admiralty practice has involved many major lawsuits and issues throughout the country, including:

• Jones Act cases in numerous state and federal courts throughout the inland waterway system;
• Personal injury claims arising out of riverboat gaming operations throughout the Midwest;
• Collision and cargo damages cases in federal courts throughout the United States;
• Limitation of liability actions in numerous federal courts, including a case before the United States Supreme Court;
• Insurance disputes, involving coverage questions, competing policies, procurement, broker liability and other marine insurance matters.