Biggest Maritime Disasters in History

Established in 1971, Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. has evolved into a premier maritime law firm, boasting seven locations nationwide and a team of 16 dedicated maritime and cruise ship accident lawyers. With over a quarter-century of combined legal expertise, our firm has secured more than $450 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients over five decades.

Our firm’s reputation is bolstered by the successful resolution of thousands of cases, earning numerous accolades for our attorneys, including “Best Lawyers” ® and “Lawyer of the Year” ® in Admiralty and Maritime Law in Miami. Additionally, we have consistently been recognized as one of the “Best Law Firms” ® in America by US News & World Report since 2016. Our track record and expertise position us as the go-to advocates for victims of maritime disasters, particularly for crew members we’ve represented time and again.

Featured in over 100 esteemed news segments as maritime law authorities, our firm’s founder, Charles Lipcon, has been instrumental in shaping maritime litigation in the United States. If you’re facing the daunting prospect of confronting a global cruise line, rest assured that our team is equipped to guide you through the claims process and hold the responsible parties fully accountable.

Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs nautical issues and private maritime disputes. It is a specialized field that covers a wide range of matters, including shipping, navigation, waters, commerce, and the resolution of maritime disputes. Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A. has stood as a beacon of justice for those affected by some of the most harrowing sea tragedies. Our firm’s extensive experience in maritime litigation has given us a profound understanding of the catastrophic events that can occur on the high seas.

In this blog post about some of the biggest maritime disasters in history, discover the breadth of our legal services and how we can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve for injuries sustained at sea. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to initiate a robust legal strategy against those at fault.

Our Firm’s Legal Involvement After Some of the Biggest Maritime Disasters in History

Maritime disasters have been a tragic part of human history, often resulting in loss of life, environmental damage, and significant legal repercussions. We understand the gravity of such events and the impact they have on the lives of those involved.

SS El Faro Tragedy

On October 1, 2015, the SS El Faro, a United States-flagged cargo ship, met with disaster when it sailed into Hurricane Joaquin, losing propulsion and eventually sinking to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. All 33 crew members aboard perished in this tragedy. The ship’s final voyage was from Jacksonville, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and it was laden with containers and vehicles.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that the primary cause of the sinking was the captain’s decision to sail into the path of the hurricane, despite having access to weather data that predicted the storm’s intensity and path. The loss of SS El Faro was one of the worst U.S. maritime disasters in three decades, raising questions about the adequacy of weather forecasting, the ship’s condition, and the decisions made by its captain and crew.

Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A. played a significant role in the aftermath of the SS El Faro tragedy. Our firm was entrusted with the immense responsibility of representing the families of seven crew members who were lost when the cargo ship sank during Hurricane Joaquin in 2015. Demonstrating our deep expertise in maritime law, we filed lawsuits against Tote Maritime, the company that owned the ill-fated El Faro, alleging negligence and seeking to hold the shipowners accountable for the disaster. Our involvement underscores our firm’s commitment to seeking justice for those affected by maritime accidents and our dedication to upholding the rights of victims and their families.

Ocean Ranger Disaster

The Ocean Ranger was a semi-submersible mobile offshore drilling unit that sank in Canadian waters on February 15, 1982, during a severe winter storm. All 84 crew members on board lost their lives, making it one of the deadliest offshore oil rig accidents in history.

Investigations into the Ocean Ranger disaster revealed that a combination of factors contributed to the rig’s fate. These included inadequate training for dealing with emergency situations, design flaws in the rig’s ballast control system, and the failure of the crew to close watertight doors and hatches as the rig took on water. The tragedy led to significant changes in safety regulations for offshore drilling operations, emphasizing the importance of proper training and equipment to handle extreme weather conditions.

Following the heartbreaking Ocean Ranger disaster, the families left behind pursued legal avenues to find solace and financial redress for their profound losses. Charles R. Lipcon was instrumental in advocating for those impacted by this calamity. Selected through a meticulous vetting process by a Newfoundland lawyers’ committee, Mr. Lipcon’s vast expertise in maritime law set him apart from his peers. With the weighty task of pursuing justice for the families, he was appointed to lead their legal battle.

As the principal attorney for the Ocean Ranger families in their lawsuit, Mr. Lipcon steered the case in the New Orleans court towards a confidential settlement, bringing some measure of closure to the families. The lengthy five-year legal journey, marked by Mr. Lipcon’s steadfast commitment and the legal team’s diligent efforts, alongside the families’ resolute determination, culminated in a successful resolution.

Legal Implications and the Role of Maritime Law

Both the SS El Faro and Ocean Ranger disasters highlight the critical role of maritime law in advocating for the rights of victims and their families. In the aftermath of maritime disasters, legal proceedings can be complex and challenging. Families of the victims often seek compensation for their losses, and companies may face lawsuits for negligence or wrongful death. The legal process involves determining liability, assessing damages, and navigating international maritime laws and regulations.

At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., our seasoned team of accident attorneys brings together over 250 years of collective legal expertise, a distinction that has earned us a spot on the “Best Law Firms”® list by US News & World Report for seven consecutive years. With four of our attorneys recognized as “Best Lawyers”® in America, we stand at the forefront of legal advocacy, equipped to secure the fullest compensation for your claims.

Our firm is dedicated to supporting maritime accident victims with unparalleled legal counsel. If you or someone close to you has endured a serious injury or wrongful death at sea, we are committed to providing the guidance and support you need. Reach out to us for a private, complimentary consultation by contacting our office or calling 877–233–1238 to speak with a distinguished personal injury lawyer.