Have you been injured or made ill while on board a cruise ship or a ferry? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak to one of our expert cruise ship accident lawyers today to find out more.
Can I make a cruise ship claim for an accident on board a cruise ship or a ferry?
Sea travel is quite safe, and serious accidents are few and far between. Unfortunately, there are times when standards slip, and someone else’s negligence can easily result in an accident and injury.
Whether you’ve suffered from an illness on board, such as food poisoning, or been injured in an accident, such as a slip or trip on deck or a fall overboard, cruise ship accidents can instantly ruin a dream trip. If the worst has happened, you may be entitled to make a claim for cruise accident compensation.
At Slater and Gordon, our team of expert cruise ship accident lawyers have helped countless clients secure the support and compensation they deserve. With a strong track record of success and an international network of medical experts and foreign solicitors, we’re here to provide the tailored support and legal advice you need.
There are a variety of injuries that can happen while on board a cruise ship or ferry. Below are some examples of what we have helped our clients claim compensation for:
Due to concerns that the ship's doctor was negligent - for example, misdiagnosing a health problem or failing to spot a serious injury or condition that later worsened
Slips, trips and falls on deck or suffered an injury while embarking or disembarking - for example, tripped due to a slippery surface or missing handrail, or had a collision with luggage or other obstacles that should have been removed
Fell overboard due to a lapse in the proper safety measures
Burns or scalds from food service
Accidents during wave turbulence
Injuries caused by other passengers
Allergic reaction from on board meals
Naturally, there are also many other ways in which injuries can arise from a cruise ship or ferry. So if you've been injured on a ship or boat and feel that someone else was to blame, ask us about making a No Win No Fee Claim today.
How much could I be owed in cruise accident compensation?
There's no set rule for how much compensation you might receive for an injury resulting from an accident at sea, whether on a cruise ship or a ferry. The total figure will largely depend on the extent of your injuries and how long it's expected that a full recovery will take.
Depending upon the exact nature of your injuries and the circumstances of your accident (such as at what point in your holiday the accident occurred), compensation awarded could cover:
Loss of amenity (that is, the impact of your pain and suffering on your quality of life)
Any medical treatment needed, including transport to and from appointments
Loss of earnings if you have had to take time out of work due to your injury
Any other financial losses you have incurred because of your injury
The cost of your holiday (depending upon your circumstances)
As cruise ships often travel on international waters, it is not always the case that the passengers on board are protected by UK laws. Fortunately, there is still a legal protection for passengers – an international treaty known as the Athens Convention.
The Convention sets out a framework of liability for any damage, loss or injury suffered by passengers while at sea. It means that if you are injured or become ill while on board a seafaring vessel (including cruise ships and ferries), it is possible to make a claim for compensation.
However, the onus is still on the passenger themselves to prove that the ship’s operator was at fault for their injury or illness, and a claim must be started within two years.
Speak to our specialist cruise ship accident lawyers
What evidence is required to make a cruise ship accident claim?
If you suffer an accident at sea, we advise if possible that you take the following steps to help us help you:
Seek medical attention - your health and safety is obviously paramount
Report the accident to a member of the ship's crew and obtain a copy of the report made
Take photographs of the accident location and any defect which you consider led to your accident
Take the names and addresses of any witnesses to your accident and ask them to confirm that they would be happy for our personal injury lawyers to contact them if necessary
Speak to our specialist cruise ship accident lawyers
Making a cruise ship accident claim can sometimes seem daunting, but our leading experts are here to support you from start to finish. We pride ourselves on taking a sympathetic, professional and honest approach to all our cases, with a focus on securing access to medical treatment and rehabilitation where needed to ensure you make the fullest possible recovery.
Our team are recognised in independent legal directories, Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500, and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), guaranteeing you the best possible legal service.
With a proud track record of success and specialist expertise in cases with a foreign element, our team are here when you need us, on a No Win No Fee basis. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you.
Speak to our specialist cruise ship accident lawyers
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of travel solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of your injury claim. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our holiday accident solicitors today
Is there a time limit to make a cruise ship accident claim?
The Athens Convention has a time limit for which you can bring a claim. The time limit is normally two years from the date of disembarkation (getting off the ship). It is important to note that the discretion to extend time under the Limitation Act 1980 does not apply to the Athens Convention limit and so it is vital that you seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Can I claim for cruise ship accidents in the UK as well as overseas accidents?
When it comes to a ferry or cruise ship injury, it doesn't matter where the accident happened. That is because of the Athens Convention, which ensures that cruise liners and ferries have enough insurance in place to cover any accidents. Smaller UK companies that use boats will most likely have public liability insurance that we will be able to help you claim against.
So if you've been injured on a ship and it wasn't your fault, ask us about making a No Win No Fee claim today.
How long does a cruise ship compensation claim take?
This all depends on how serious your injuries are as well as whether the ship company accepts responsibility.
However, we always aim to pursue justice for our clients as quickly and efficiently as possible, and will also seek to claim interim payments where your injury might cause you financial hardship, or where you need to begin rehabilitation as soon as possible.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David