Attorneys Schloss and Murray File Lawsuits on Behalf of Sailors and Families After USS Fitzgerald Collision

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

On June 17, 2017, the ACX Crystal, a container ship employed and chartered by NYK Line, one of the world’s largest shipping conglomerates, collided with the USS Fitzgerald off the coast of Japan. On November 18, 2019, attorneys David M. Schloss and Kasey K. Murray filed two lawsuits against NYK, seeking in excess of $287 million in damages on behalf of the seven Navy Sailors who were killed and 40 of those who were injured.

The lawsuit alleges that the collision was entirely avoidable had the crew and officers of the Crystal simply followed established international rules specifically created to prevent collisions at sea. Instead, according to the lawsuit, the negligent and reckless conduct of the Crystal’s crew led to the horrific drowning deaths of seven young Navy sailors, and scores of others have been left with significant physical and psychological injuries.

With the filing of these lawsuits, our attorneys begin the process of holding accountable those responsible for this preventable tragedy.

Additional press coverage:

Sailors and Families Are Seeking 287M in New Lawsuits After Navy Ship Collision

Fitz families and shipmates sue merchant vessel’s company

‘Wall of water’: Lawsuits detail deadly U.S. Navy collision with freighter off Japan

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.