The shipment of goods by sea is the lifeblood of international trade, but it is not without significant legal and financial risk. Disputes arising from cargo loss, damage, or delay are common and require skilled legal navigation to resolve effectively. Our law firm provides specialized legal services in Georgia for all parties involved in the maritime transport chain, including shippers, carriers, freight forwarders, consignees, and their insurers. We offer robust representation grounded in a thorough understanding of the Maritime Code of Georgia, relevant international conventions, and the critical terms within bills of lading and charter party agreements. Our primary objective is to protect our clients' financial interests and achieve a swift, commercially sound resolution to any shipping dispute.
Under the Maritime Code of Georgia, the sea carrier holds a significant responsibility for the loss of or damage to goods from the moment of acceptance at the port of loading until delivery at the port of discharge. However, this liability is not absolute, and the carrier may be exonerated if the loss resulted from specific exempted perils, such as an act of God, errors in navigation, or inherent vice of the goods. Our legal team meticulously investigates the factual and contractual circumstances of each claim, whether it involves improper stowage, temperature deviations, contamination, short delivery, or financial losses from delays. We manage the entire claims process, from issuing the initial notice of claim within the prescribed time limits to gathering crucial evidence like survey reports and mates' receipts to firmly establish liability.
We possess deep experience in analyzing the terms of the bill of lading, which serves as the primary contract of carriage and is prima facie evidence of the cargo's quantity and condition upon receipt by the carrier. When disputes cannot be settled amicably, we are prepared to defend our clients' interests through assertive litigation in Georgian courts or via alternative dispute resolution methods. Georgia has a supportive legal framework for arbitration, which often provides a more efficient and specialized forum for resolving complex maritime disputes. Whether pursuing a claim for compensation on behalf of a cargo owner or defending a carrier against an unjustified claim, our firm provides the strategic legal counsel necessary to navigate the complexities of maritime freight disputes and secure a favorable outcome.
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