Cruise Ship Accident Claims
For many people, going on a cruise is a fun and exciting way to spend a holiday with their friends or family. Whether you choose…
Read moreFerry accident compensation claims
If you’ve been injured on board a ferry in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to make a ferry accident compensation claim.
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Ferry Accident Claims
Although uncommon, ferry accidents do happen, and they can cause life-changing and even fatal injuries. If you or a loved one were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to make a ferry accident claim for injury compensation.
Ferry operators have a legal duty of care to keep you safe during your ferry trip. When this duty is breached, accidents such as collisions, smoke inhalation or slips, trips and falls can occur and cause various injuries.
If your life was affected by an accident on a ferry, our team of experienced solicitors are here to help. They will offer you a free case assessment to verify your eligibility, and if you can proceed, they will be happy to provide you with a no win no fee service.
To discuss your ferry accident claim with a friendly legal adviser, call 0800 470 0474 or use our contact form to request a call back.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.
Table of Contents
Duty of care of ferry operators towards passengers
Ferry operators have a legal duty of care to keep passengers safe on board their ships, which includes:
- Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards.
- Regularly inspect and maintain ferries.
- Ensure that all facilities on board the vessel are well-kept and free from risks.
- Use clear warning signs to inform passengers about potential hazards.
- Comply with hygiene standards when serving food and drinks on board.
- Ensure that all staff and crew members are competent and adequately trained.
- Have clear procedures in place to respond to emergencies.
If this duty of care is breached and you are involved in a ferry accident, you may be eligible for compensation.
Am I eligible to make a ferry accident claim?
Eligibility for a ferry accident claim will be discussed during a free initial consultation with a personal injury solicitor. They will take on your case if the following can be proven:
- You had an accident on a ferry.
- The accident was caused by a breach of duty, such as unsafe conditions or poor staff training.
- You suffered harm and losses as a result.
- You are within the legal time limit for starting an injury compensation claim (usually three years).
While a duty of care is typically easy to establish, it can be challenging to prove that your accident was caused by negligence. However, your solicitor will help you gather all the evidence you need to prove your claim, which we will discuss below.
What evidence do I need to support my claim?
The evidence you could use to support your claim against the ferry operator and get the compensation you deserve includes:
- Medical records detailing your injuries and treatment.
- An independent report confirming your prognosis and any long-term needs.
- The ferry ticket or boarding pass.
- An official accident report from the ferry operator.
- Witness statements from other passengers or staff.
- Inspection, maintenance and training records from the ferry operator.
- Your account of the incident and how it has affected your life.
- Photographs or videos of the accident scene or unsafe conditions, including CCTV footage, if available.
- Proof of financial losses, such as receipts and pay slips.
How do I make a ferry injury claim?
If you had an accident on board the ferry, there are a few steps you should take in order to make a successful claim for compensation:
- Seek medical care immediately to have a record of your injuries and treatment.
- Report the accident to the ferry operator and request a copy of a written report.
- Collect as much evidence as possible, including photos, videos and witness details.
Next, you should speak to a personal injury solicitor who specialises in personal injury and maritime law as soon as possible. If you have grounds to claim, they will:
- Send a letter of claim to the defendant.
- Help you gather evidence and build your case.
- Negotiate the best compensation on your behalf.
- Take your claim to court if necessary (this rarely happens, as more than 96% of all cases are settled through negotiations).
Can I make a claim for a ferry accident on holiday?
Yes, you can still claim for an accident abroad, as long as it was due to someone else’s negligence. There are two ways in which you could secure compensation:
- If the ferry journey was part of a package holiday, you can make a claim against your UK tour operator under the Package Travel, Package Holiday, and Package Tour Regulations 1992.
- If you booked the ferry independently, you would typically need to make the claim directly against the ferry operator, according to the foreign country’s laws or international maritime law.
Your solicitor will be able to advise you on how to pursue your claim effectively, regardless of where the accident occurred.
Can I claim compensation if I was injured while working on a ferry?
When working on a ferry, your employer owes you a legal duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Their responsibilities include:
- Conduct regular risk assessments to identify hazards.
- Provide a safe working environment.
- Provide well-maintained and suitable equipment and machinery.
- Provide adequate training and safety equipment.
If your employer fails in their duty of care and you suffer an injury, you have the right to make an accident at work claim. All employers must hold Employer’s Liability insurance, and your claim will be handled by their insurer.
Your employer cannot legally sack you or treat you unfavourably for claiming compensation. If they retaliate, you could potentially make a further claim for unfair dismissal at an employment tribunal.
Common types of accidents on ferries
Some of the most common types of ferry accidents that could lead to a personal injury claim include:
- Slips, trips, and falls on wet or uneven decks.
- Falling objects from shelves or luggage racks.
- Accidents during boarding or disembarking.
- Food and drink incidents, such as poisoning and spilling hot liquids.
- Injuries due to faulty seating, broken railings, or damaged walkways.
- Capsizing, collisions or sudden vessel movements.
- Fires, explosions or mechanical failures.
- Falling from the ferry due to inadequate or defective handrails and barriers.
This list is not exhaustive, and you may be entitled to compensation even if you had another type of accident on board a ferry.
What are the most common causes of ferry accidents?
Ferry and boat accidents can be caused by various factors, including:
- Poor vessel maintenance or faulty equipment.
- Inadequate safety procedures or staff training.
- Overcrowding or overloading.
- Poorly secured objects, fixtures or displays.
- Operator error or negligence.
- Poor hygiene leading to food poisoning and other infections.
- Wet or slippery decks.
- Defective ramps or handrails.
- Mechanical failures or equipment malfunction.
- A lack of warning signs for known hazards.
- Poor weather conditions.
Your solicitor will be able to determine whether the cause of your accident can be attributed to negligence and whether you can claim compensation.
What injuries could a ferry accident cause?
Ship and ferry accidents could cause a range of injuries, from minor to life-changing, including:
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and whiplash, can result from falls or collisions.
- Broken bones from falls, collisions or crush accidents.
- Head injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain trauma.
- Back injuries, ranging from sprains and strains to spinal cord injuries.
- Cuts, lacerations and abrasions caused by falls, broken glass or sharp edges.
- Burn injuries from fires, explosions or contact with hot food or beverages.
- Drowning or near-drowning injuries.
- Food poisoning or allergic reactions from food, drinks or other substances.
- Psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
What is the time limit to start a claim for my accident and injuries?
The Limitation Act 1980 imposes a general three-year time limit to claim for ferry accidents and other personal injuries. However, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible, as this will help you access evidence and build a compelling case.
There are a few exceptions to the three-year time limit:
- If the accident happened at sea, the Athens Convention may apply, which sets a 2-year time limit.
- For children, the three-year limit starts from their 18th birthday.
- If the injured party lacks mental capacity, there is no limitation period unless they regain it.
You can read more about the time limits for making a claim here: How Long Do I Have to Make a Personal Injury Claim?
How much compensation is awarded for a ferry accident claim?
The compensation awarded for ferry and cruise ship claims is calculated based on two types of damages:
- General damages cover your pain, suffering, and loss of amenity, including physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your daily activities.
- Special damages cover financial losses and expenses incurred as a direct result of the accident, such as private medical treatments, loss of earnings and care costs.
For example, you could receive up to £12,150 for a moderate back sprain and up to £493,000 for very severe brain trauma. You can use our personal injury compensation calculator to get an estimate of the amount of compensation your claim could be worth.
Can I make a claim on behalf of a loved one?
If a loved one is injured on a ferry due to someone else’s negligence, you could claim on their behalf if they are:
- A child under 18.
- An adult who is a protected party under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
In such cases, the court must appoint you to act as their litigation friend upon filing a certificate of suitability.
You could also make a fatal accident claim if a loved one passed away in a ferry accident and you are a dependant of theirs.
How much does it cost to make a ferry accident claim?
If you can proceed with a ferry accident compensation claim, your personal injury lawyer will represent you on a no win, no fee basis. This means that:
- You don’t have to pay them anything up front.
- You won’t lose a single penny if your claim is unsuccessful.
- If you win, your injury lawyer will deduct a success fee from your compensation award (capped at 25% of it).
To find out if you are able to claim compensation for your ferry accident, call 0800 470 0474 today for a free case assessment or request a call back.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
