CONCANNON & CHARLES, P.C.

Our attorneys have been at the forefront of the sports and recreation industries -- from scuba diving to skiing, exploration, adventure travel, filmmaking and mountaineering -- for two decades.  From advising major international expeditions to defending sports equipment manufacturers in products liability suits, our attorneys have been involved in the cutting edge of legal issues affecting the sports and recreation industries.

We are adept at handling all levels of litigation, resulting in numerous summary dismissals and defense verdicts for our clients.  We investigate accidents on behalf of clients, often times preventing litigation by identifying the real cause of accidents and the parties at fault.  We help clients identify which claims should be vigorously defended through trial and which should be settled.  Our attorneys are particularly skilled in helping our clients weigh the risks of litigating against the importance of maintaining a reputation for not settling when there is little or no liability exposure.

Our skills and experience go well beyond litigation.  We excel in handling cases involving high-profile catastrophic injuries, and in helping our clients manage the financial and public relations consequences of such events.  We also advise many businesses on self-insurance programs.

Concannon & Charles acts as national counsel for many well-known companies whose products include scuba diving equipment, training, adventure travel and watercraft.  Our clients include the owners and operators of dive resorts, charter vessels and retail operations; manufacturers, distributors and retailers of sports equipment and personal watercraft; outdoor and guide operations; and sports and recreation industry trade groups.

Examples of our attorneys’ experience include:

Litigation

Representation of premises owner and/or operator.

Sports equipment products liability lawsuits, both plaintiff and defense.

Breach of contract actions.

Catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Employment and wrongful termination actions.

Intellectual property litigation.

Administrative Proceedings

Representation before the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, including reporting and recall efforts.

Representation before the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, and other state and federal agencies, in the development of guidelines for public use of national marine sanctuaries, national wilderness areas and cultural resources.

Advice and Counseling

Risk management advice, document review and drafting, development and implementation of comprehensive risk management plans.

Draft and review of liability waivers and exculpatory agreements.

Audit and advise on insurance coverage, both with traditional insurers and in self-insurance programs.

Licensing and International Disputes

Domestic and international contract review and negotiations, including manufacturing and distribution agreements, indemnity and insurance obligations, and trademark and copyright licensing.

Dispute resolution through arbitration, mediation, injunctive relief and other litigation.