Ship and Ferry Accident Compensation Claims

Personal Injury Claims And Securing Compensation

If you have been injured on a vessel, ship and ferry accident compensation claims may cover your medical expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering. Thousands of ships and ferries operate daily at sea and on inland waters – and accidents can and do happen. Whether you are an employee or a passenger, if you have been injured due to negligence by another party, you may want to seek compensation.

At Jefferies Claims, we partner with expert personal injury lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Causes of Ship and Ferry Accidents

Rough seas and storms are typically regarded as the reason behind an accident at sea. However, there are different factors which may contribute to ship and ferry accidents, including:

Collisions – Ships and ferries may collide with other vessels, docks, or submerged objects due to human error, technical faults, or poor visibility.

Mechanical Failures – Engine failures, faulty navigation systems, or defective safety equipment can lead to accidents.

Slips, Trips, and Falls – Wet or uneven decks, poor lighting, and lack of safety railings have the potential to cause serious injuries.

Fires and Explosions – Electrical faults, flammable cargo, or fuel leaks can result in dangerous onboard fires.

Overcrowding and Poor Maintenance – Ferry operators may neglect maintenance or overcrowd vessels. Lack of proper training or failure to follow safety protocols can lead to high risk situations.

Injuries Sustained in Accidents

The types of injuries suffered in ship and ferry accidents can vary widely depending on the nature of the incident. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Head and Brain Injuries – Caused by falls, collisions, or objects falling from height, these injuries can be devastating.
• Fractures and Broken Bones – Slip-and-fall accidents, collisions, or being hit by moving objects may lead to fractures.
• Burns – Fires, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces or substances can cause severe burns.
• Drowning and Near-Drowning – Falling overboard or being trapped in a flooded section of the ship may result in life-threatening situations.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Falls from height or impact injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis.
• Lacerations and Bruising – Sharp edges, machinery, or slipping hazards can cause deep cuts or bruising.
• Psychological Trauma – Survivors of shipwrecks or ferry accidents may suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress.

Claims for Employees

Maritime workers, including ferry crew, seafarers, and dockworkers, are entitled to a safe working environment under health and safety laws. If an employee is injured due to employer negligence, they may have grounds to claim compensation.

This may typically cover hospital bills and medication costs, lost and future earnings as well as physical and emotional distress. A fatal accident claim may cover loss of support and funeral expenses.

Claims for Passengers

Passengers injured in ship or ferry accidents have the right to seek compensation if the incident resulted from negligence, such as poor maintenance, unsafe conditions, or inadequate safety measures.

In this instance, compensation may cover medical expenses, psychological damage and loss of earnings if the injury prevents you from working.

Next Steps To Filing A Personal Injury Claim

Making a compensation claim for a ship or ferry accident requires the following steps. Firstly, ensure you receive medical attention and your injuries are documented. You must also notify the ship’s crew, the ferry operator or relevant maritime authority.

It is also important to gather evidence, such as photos or CCTV footage of the accident scene and witness statements. Generally, personal injury claims need to be filed within three years of the accident.  It is essential that you contact a personal injury lawyer who can assess your case and advise if it is valid. It is crucial for you to show that your injury is directly linked someone else’s negligence.

Jefferies Claims is here to help you with a claim for compensation and we work with solicitors who operate on a ‘No Fee, No Win’ basis so you can focus on recovery. To learn more and to discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our team on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.