Maritime Law

McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton Professional Association has for many years been active in the maritime field. As the largest firm in New Hampshire, we offer a full range of services covering all types of litigation as well as corporate and financial services involved in today's maritime practice. The firm's maritime practice is based out of Portsmouth, and has the capabilities to handle maritime activities throughout New England, as well as New York, and other maritime centers.

Hull and Cargo Claims

Our attorneys have had experience in handling all types of marine casualties including collisions, groundings and salvage. At McLane, we also have a broad background and understanding of cargo loss or damage and have handled cargo claims for vessel owners and charterers, as well as for cargo insurers. Our attorneys have also handled cases in a multimodal setting, including damage to cargo that involves air transportation, trucking and rail carriers. We also offer services in connection with drafting bills of lading, charter parties and other transportation documents.

Towboat Operations and Fishing Vessels

McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton has represented tug and tow operators in all aspects of maritime activities including collisions, fires, personal injuries, strandings and sinkings. We recently completed a case involving the stranding of a tug and tow in the Cape Cod Canal due to the hydrodynamic forces created by a vessel operating at an unsafe speed. Our attorneys are also experienced in the representation of commercial fishing vessels including damage or loss of fishing gear.

Environmental Claims

Our firm has broad experience dealing with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ("OPA '90"), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ("FWPCA"), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), and other environmental laws and regulations. We have the capabilities to immediately respond to any environmental incident in our coastal waters.

Maritime Personal Injury Litigation

McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton's was founded in 1919 by John McLane, primarily as a litigation firm. The firm continues this focus today, including an emphasis on maritime personal injury claims. The firm has handled personal injury claims in connection with all facets of transportation, including railroads, trucking and aviation. We have represented plaintiff's in many successful personal injury actions, including recreational boating accidents, Jones Act cases, and actions brought under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act. Our attorneys have also defended maritime personal injury claims on behalf of vessel owners, manufacturers and P&I Clubs.

Our Other Maritime Practices

Although the focus of our maritime work is hull and cargo claims as well as maritime personal injury claims, our attorneys have also been called upon by clients to handle the following types of matters:

• Ship Finance (including bankruptcy)
• General Average
• Marine Insurance
• Maritime Liens
• Yachts and Pleasure Craft
• Criminal Defense

Based on the experience of the admiralty attorneys and the firm's other practice areas, McLane Graf Raulerson & Middleton truly is a full-service law firm that can meet all of your maritime needs.

For further information, contact one of our Maritime Law Attorneys at (603) 625-6464.