Summary of COVID-19 – Maritime Operations   1 While Puerto Rico is under an island-wide lockdown from March 16 to April 12, 2020 (Governor of Puerto Rico Executive Order 23-20/March 15, 2020, as amended), which requires all persons but those providing essential services to remain at home, the seaports remain open. However, it is necessary […]

Puerto Rico Postponement of Tax Filing and Compliance Due Dates for 2020   1 Puerto Rico is in a lockdown due to the COVID-19 crisis. As a result, the Puerto Rico Treasury Department (“PRTD”) and other government entities have announced the postponement of various tax filing, payment, and compliance due dates for the months of […]

USCG Sets Safety Zone for the Transportation of Natural Gas 1   Effective until February 28, 2020 San Juan, Puerto Rico. The United States Coast Guard (“USCG”) has extended the temporary rule that established a safety zone for transportation of liquified gas carriers.  The previous rule, designed to protect personnel, transiting vessels, and liquified propane […]

Motion to Dismiss or Motion to Transfer to enforce Forum Selection Clauses in the First Circuit after the United States Supreme Court Decision in Atlantic Marine?    1 It is not uncommon that contracts will contain forum selection clauses to establish the place where a party can bring suit regarding a dispute or incident arising […]

P&I Correspondent Update: Medical Cases in Puerto Rico 1 As P&I Club Correspondents, Jiménez, Graffam & Lausell is often instructed to liaise with vessel Agents to make sure that injured or ill crewmembers receive adequate medical care and that the costs incurred are reasonable.  In many instances, the need for medical care develops as an […]

The United States Supreme Court Rules that Punitive Damages are not Allowed on Unseaworthiness Claims 1 On June 24, 2019 the United States Supreme Court decided the case of Dutra Group v. Batterton, 139 S.Ct. 2275 588 U.S. _______ (2019).  The case involved a crewmember who sued his maritime employer due to a physical injury […]