Boat Accident Compensation Claims
Boating is an area covering many types of use, including holidays, recreation and work. If you have sustained an injury while on a boat in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to claim boat injury compensation.
The impact a boating accident can have on a person’s life can be very different. The team of legal experts at JMW Solicitors will guide you through the entire legal process, providing the advice and support you need in order to make a successful claim for a boating accident.
To make a boat accident compensation claim, contact us today to discuss your case in more detail. We will talk you through the next steps and answer any questions you have. Call us on 0345 872 6666, or if you would rather we contact you, complete our online enquiry form and we will give you a call back as soon as we can.
How JMW Can Help
We have a team of skilled solicitors that understands how to handle boat accident compensation claims. We work on a no win, no fee basis and will be able to provide initial advice on whether you have a case. All of our help is given on an impartial basis, with your needs in mind, and we will be proactive and professional.
The injuries caused by boating accidents are diverse, with damage varying in severity. Examples of major injuries include brain damage, loss of limbs, broken bones and spinal injury.
Also, some accidents may appear minor at first but develop into something more serious. Our aim is to give you the very best chance of securing the compensation to which you are entitled following an injury on a boat.
Our team of expert solicitors will be with you every step of the way, keeping you updated regularly, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Causes of Boating Accidents
There are many reasons why you may suffer an injury while on a boat. These are some of the most common causes we have seen as personal injury solicitors:
- A boat collision, either with another boat, a dock, or geographical features
- A slip or fall due to wet surfaces
- Ineffective safety equipment or lack of lifejacket provision
- Waterskiing and other extreme sports activities
- Hit by a boat while swimming, or dragged underwater
How to Report a Boating Accident
- Any accidents on a boat should be reported straight away, with incidents in UK waters filed to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
- If you have any injuries, make sure to get these checked and treated by a medical professional. A medical report will be written up that will document your injuries and treatment recommendations, which can be used as evidence in your claim.
- If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact details and ask if they would be willing to make a statement to back up your claim.
- Take any photos of where the accident took place and, if possible, what caused it. If the boat has CCTV on board that recorded the accident, this can be useful evidence too.
- Record any development in your injuries by taking photos to provide visual proof of the pain and suffering caused by the boating accident.
- Keep records of any expenses incurred as a result of your injuries, such as travel and prescription costs.
FAQs About Boat Accident Compensation Claims
Who is held responsible for a boating accident?
The party responsible for your boating accident will likely be those who own or are in charge of the boat. Boat owners are legally obliged to carry public liability insurance to protect against accidents, while ferry, fishing and cruise liner companies are subject to the same health and safety standards set by the Health and Safety Executive to protect employees and customers.
Leisure companies and tour operators are also obliged to ensure the safety of participants of any excursions involving boats.
Can I claim for a boating accident at work?
Employees required to sail or work onboard a boat can be one of the riskiest industries to work in. If you are hurt while working on a boat, making a claim can help to compensate you for the pain and suffering cases, as well as help you financially with regard to any loss of earnings resulting from the accident.
As in any workplace, it is the responsibility of your employer to make sure you are kept as safe as possible while aboard a boat. This includes being provided with the correct safety equipment and given the necessary training. If this has not been provided, you will be in a position to seek compensation.
Are there any time limits when making a boat accident compensation claim?
The time limit for making any personal injury claim is usually three years from the date at which the accident occurred. However, accidents on boats, ships or cruise liners can be covered by separate regulations where a claim may need to be made within two years of the date of the accident.
How much boat injury compensation am I entitled to?
It is difficult to calculate exactly how much compensation you will be entitled to following a boating accident due claim to a variety of reasons and differences in injuries. However, our Personal Injury Compensation Calculator provides guidance on the average compensation payout amounts based on previous cases, so you can get an understanding of how much your claim is worth.
Talk to Us
To start your boat accident compensation claim, contact us today by calling us for free on 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form and we will get back to you.
