Legal Services for Elizabeth River Waterfront Property Owners
Although only 6 miles long, the Elizabeth River is one of the most important waterways in the world. Located at the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay, it lies between the port cities of Portsmouth and Norfolk and forms the core of the Hampton Roads Harbor. It is also a gateway to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The Elizabeth River is badly damaged from centuries of industrial pollution and stormwater runoff. The health of the river is improving due, in significant part, to the work of The Elizabeth River Project.
Our team's extensive knowledge of waterfront (riparian) property rights law, maritime and admiralty law, and environmental law has helped clients all across Virginia.
Examples of Our Work on the Elizabeth River
Virginia Tidal Wetlands Act Compliance
Assisted a waterfront commercial property owner in complying with the Virginia Tidal Wetlands Act, which governs coastal areas between mean low water and mean high water, after he received a Notice of Violation issued by the City of Norfolk.
Blocking a Large Mooring Facility
Appeared before the Virginia Marine Resources Commission in a successful effort to block installation of a large mooring facility that would have devalued our client's riparian property rights.
Maritime Personal Injury Litigation
Numerous litigation actions representing marine terminals and shipyards in personal injuries to longshoremen and harbor workers, and cargo damage actions.
Workers Compensation Defense
Defense of multiple federal and state workers compensation claims brought against marine terminals, intermodal operators, and marine construction companies.
Vessel Allision Claims
Multiple suits involving vessel allisions with marine terminals and bridges.
Jones Act Vessel Sinking Defense
Defense of Jones Act claim brought by crew member after vessel sank in the river.
Wake Damage Claim Prosecution
Successful prosecution of a wake damage claim after a USCG Cutter generated a large wake causing property damage on a derrick barge that was in the midst of a heavy lift.
Floating Junkyard Removal Lawsuit
Filing a citizen's environmental lawsuit in Federal Court under the federal Clean Water Act to force the removal of a "floating junkyard" of hulking vessels which were blocking access to a client's waterfront business.
Private Pier Construction Advocacy
Advocating for the rights of property owners to construct private piers at their residence.
Environmental Clean-Up Leadership
In 2016, Jim led a team of over 50 "Restore the Shore" volunteers from Pender & Coward, P.C., the Elizabeth River Project, the City of Norfolk, and the Boy Scouts in a successful effort to bring a battered section of shoreline of the Elizabeth River back to life.
We Protect Your Waterfront Property, Maritime, and Environmental Rights
These represent just a few of the many instances in which Jim and his team have assisted clients on or near Virginia's waterways. If you have a legal issue pertaining to any Virginia waterway, we're here to help.
Explore All Virginia Waterways
We work in one of the longest and most diverse coastlines in the world — 7,213 miles. Click below to see examples of our work in other Virginia waterways.
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