Admiralty, Maritime and Transportation

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP represents clients in admiralty, maritime and transportation-related matters. The firm serves as correspondents to many international group protection and indemnity (P&I) clubs, and handles claims and coverage issues for marine and transportation insurers, including some of the world’s largest shipping lines, towboat operators and logistics companies.

Firm attorneys are experienced in assisting clients in the following matters:

Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Defense
Cargo Matters
Collision and Allision
Maritime Liens
P&I Cover / Insurance Coverage
Inland Marine Claims
Limitation of Liability Actions
Marina Liability
Product Liability Defense
Environmental Claims
Compliance and Regulatory Matters

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys are always on call and prepared to be on the scene of any casualty for owners and underwriters to prevent their interests from being compromised by delay. The firm’s lawyers work with clients through government investigations, conduct interviews of witnesses, protect evidence and engage experts to preserve claims and defenses.

News

February 21, 2024
Hogan to Present at 2024 DRI Trucking Law Seminar
Partner Meg F. Hogan will present, "Anchors Away! Beating Plaintiffs at Their Own Game," at the 2024 DRI Trucking Law Seminar on April 11 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, St. Louis, Madison County, August 17, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2024 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Lists
Fifty-five Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys were named to the 2024 Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ lists.

June 21, 2023
Keating, Hogan and Vantine to Speak in WTW Healthcare Risk Management Webinar
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP partners Richard J. Keating, Jr., Marcie J. Vantine, and Meg F. Hogan will speak at WTW's "Healthcare Risk Management Foundations Series: Elements of an Effective Fleet Management Plan" on June 22.

May 26, 2023
Sheean to Serve as Law Institute Liaison at 2023 DRI Trucking Seminar
Partner Christopher T. Sheean will serve as Law Institute Liaison at DRI’s 2023 Trucking Litigation Essentials Seminar on June 14 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Chicago, May 21, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Obtains Defense Verdict In High-Stakes In-Person Jury Trial
In one of the first in-person civil litigation jury trials in Lake County since the COVID-19 pandemic, the plaintiff asked the jury for nearly $15 million in lost wages, past and future pain and suffering and disfigurement.

Chicago, February 2, 2021
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 25 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 12 attorneys have been named n to the 2021 Illinois Super Lawyers list and 13 have been named to the Illinois Rising Stars list.

Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, Madison County, January 11, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2021
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommended by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.

Chicago, March 5, 2019
McGovern, Fitzgerald Prevail Before Seventh Circuit in Maritime Contract Case
McGovern and Fitzgerald defended a logistics company in a maritime case involving the international carriage of copper from China to the United States.

Chicago, September 12, 2018
Daniel G. Wills, 1959 – 2018
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces with much sadness the death of equity partner Daniel G. Wills. Wills, a partner in the firm's Chicago office, passed away suddenly last week at the age of 59.

Chicago, March 12, 2018
Court Vacates $23 Million Default Judgment Against International Client
McGovern, Fitzgerald secure dismissal for lack of jurisdiction.

Chicago, March 22, 2016
McGovern, Wills Earn Appellate Victory in Legal Malpractice Case
The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin included a front-page article on the result.

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