Cargo Damage

Charleston Law Firm: Shipping and Cargo Damage

Our Charleston, South Carolina, law firm, John Hughes Cooper, P.C., offers knowledgeable and efficient representation in claims involving shipping and cargo damage loss.

Owners of cargo carried under a clean ocean bill of lading may pursue legal action against an ocean carrier or the ship if the cargo is discharged in damaged condition or if the cargo is lost.

To learn more about our experience with shipping and cargo damage loss claims or for a free consultation with an experienced admiralty law attorney, please contact our law offices on Sullivan's Island.

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Prompt notice of damage or loss should be given and, generally, suit must commence within one year of discharge of the cargo. Damage is often limited to $500 per package or customary freight unit, unless the cargo owner declared a higher value for the cargo before shipment.

If, after ocean carriage, the damaged cargo is delivered by rail or other domestic carrier, the cargo owner should still give prompt notice of damage or loss, but may have more than one year to commence suit against the delivering carrier.

A carrier of household goods is subject to laws more favorable to the owner of the goods. Under certain circumstances, these laws also may allow attorneys' fees to the owner.

The Hague Rules

Generally, an ocean common carrier has two types of duties under the Hague Rules:

• Before voyage, a carrier must exercise due diligence to ensure the vessel is seaworthy; to properly staff, equip and supply the ship; and to make the holds fit and safe for cargo.
• The carrier must also properly and carefully load, handle, keep, carry, stow, care for and discharge the cargo.

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To learn more about our experience with shipping and cargo damage loss claims, and what our law firm can do to assert your claim in a timely and cost-conscious manner, please contact a lawyer at John Hughes Cooper, P.C.