With over 30 years experience, Curwoods have an extensive understanding of both motor and maritime claims.  Our clients are transportation companies and insurers with a transport portfolio, as well as maritime insurers. They turn to us for a variety of claims, including seafarer's, motor theft and fraud, accidents, collisions at sea, and a wide range of issues associated with these claims.

We also assist clients with drafting policy documents. In many claims, we will act for the insured directly.  We will often include in the claim losses incurred by the insurer which may not be covered by the insured’s policy. Our experience allows us to be conscious of running smaller claims commercially, while having the expertise and resources to manage large more complex claims.

Our team also advises on maritime insurance issues and compliance with maritime law regulations. We handle selected maritime transport claims including maritime collision, accident, product liability and loss/damage to cargo. 

Examples of recent matters where our Transport team has represented their clients include:

• Closely considered whether a commercial vessel was scuttled and whether this constituted a "peril of the sea" for the purpose of indemnity under the relevant marine policy.
• Acted for the Australian manufacturer of a catamaran, used by a number of government departments and fisherman, following the failure of an "esky seat" which detached unexpectedly.
• Acted for the insurer of a marine engine repairer following malicious damage to a twin engine commercial catamaran through sand contamination.  Consequent delays and further failure of the reconditioned engines led to significant costs and loss of commercial charters. Proportionate liability claims involving subcontractors and an engine reconditioner were resolved at mediation.
• Acted for the insurer of the Master of a 5.5m Savage Mako fibreglass boat motored by a 150 horse power Mercury outboard motor.  The boat struck a sandbar whilst travelling in a marked channel at Yamba throwing the plaintiff forward.

Our senior team members include:

• Paul Garnon, Partner and Transport Team Leader
• Michael Mitchell, Special Counsel
• Kate Blue, Senior Associate