Boating Accidents.

Boat Injury Compensation Claims.

If your job requires you to travel by boat or work at sea, your employer should take all possible precautions to ensure your safety.

Rough seas, bad weather, and high winds can put workers on crew boats and supply vessels at risk, especially when the ship is being pushed to its limits or has not been adequately serviced and maintained in good working order.

According to figures from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) in 2021 there were 1,530 marine accidents, including 11 fatalities, in UK waters. Boating accidents can occur when crew members are boarding and disembarking the vessel, or while cargo is being loaded and unloaded, and the risk is especially high during bad weather conditions.

Being involved in a boating accident at work can have a huge impact on your life. If you sustain a serious injury you may be unable to return to work for quite some time, or you may have to give up that type of work completely. Time off work whilst you recover typically means a loss of income, which puts a financial strain on you and your family.

If you have been injured in a boating accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Here at Lanyon Bowdler we have helped many clients in your situation to seek justice and reparations after an accident, and our friendly and professional personal injury solicitors would love to help you too, so please don’t hesitate to contact us to find out more.

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Your Boating Accident Compensation Questions Answered

What are the main causes of boating accidents?

When you are working on a boat, or travelling by boat for work, not only are you at the mercy of the sea and the weather, but your wellbeing also depends on the health and safety protocols that have been put into place on-board. Some of the most common causes of boating accidents include:

  • Boats colliding with other boats or stationary objects
  • Being hit by a boat or being dragged underwater whilst swimming
  • Wet surfaces and unsafe objects on deck causing slips, trips, or falls
  • Boat operators being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning caused by engines, generators, heaters, and cooking appliances used in enclosed spaces
  • Failure to replace, maintain, or repair engines, bilge pumps, etc.
  • Failing to use a kill cord correctly
  • Overloading crew boats and workboats with workers, equipment, cargo, or supplies
  • Negligent operation or navigation of the vessel by captains or crew members
  • Failing to secure the boat properly during boarding or disembarking
  • Failing to follow safety protocols regarding lifeboats, personal floatation devices, and fire extinguishers

This list is not exhaustive, and if you have been involved in any type of accident at work on, or caused by, a boat, please get in touch to discuss your situation. Our Personal Injury Team will be happy to offer advice and guidance and help you get started with your compensation case.

Who is liable for boating accidents?

The boat operator has a duty of care to all crew members and passengers to ensure that the vessel is operated in a manner which ensures their safety as much as is reasonably possible. The laws determining who is liable for paying compensation in the event of an accident depend on where the accident actually took place. For example, if the accident occurred in British waters, British maritime laws would apply. However, if the accident occurred in the waters of another country, then the maritime laws of that country would apply.

Approximately two thirds of the ocean does not fall under the jurisdiction of any country’s government. These areas are known as international waters. If a boat accident occurs within international waters it is governed under the Athens Convention.

The Athens Convention is an international law to which all of the international governments who signed the agreement are beholden, and it supersedes British law. For example, if an accident occurs on a ship that begins and ends its journey in British waters, but the ship passed through international waters along the way, the Athens Convention would take priority over British maritime laws.

Under the Athens Convention, the ship’s operator is held responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all passengers and their luggage. This means that should anything happen to a passenger due to negligence on the part of the ship’s operating company and/or crew, the ship operator would be liable. The Athens Convention also places liability for luggage on the ship’s operator, which means that if an accident occurs in which you are unharmed, but your luggage is damaged, or goes missing due to theft or negligent handling and storage, you can claim compensation.

The Athens Convention states that a ship’s operator could be liable if they:

  • Failed to carry out checks of the ships machinery and equipment on-board
  • Failed to properly carry out maintenance and repair of the ship
  • Failed to provide their crew and management with proper training

If you are unsure about your right to make a claim after a boating accident in international waters, please get in touch and our highly qualified and experienced Personal Injury Team will be happy to discuss your situation and offer guidance.

How would my employer be affected if I claim compensation for a boating accident?

Under UK law, all employers must have insurance in place to cover accidents. This means that, in the event of a boating accident at work, your employer’s liability insurance would cover any compensation claim made against them and it wouldn’t affect the company or cause them to go bankrupt, for example. You won’t need to speak to the insurance company yourself, our personal injury solicitors are here to handle all of the legal details on your behalf, leaving you to focus on recovering from the accident.

Additionally, you are protected by UK law, which means that your employer cannot treat you unfairly, dismiss you, or force you to resign due to you taking legal action against them. If you’d like any further guidance and clarification on this, our team will be happy to help.

Our expert Personal Injury Team at Lanyon Bowdler has supported claimants in all types of boat accident claims, always achieving the best possible result. We can assess your case today, and help you through the claim process for your boat accident injury. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

What should I do if I am involved in a boating accident?

If you are involved in a boating accident in which you sustain an injury, there are a number of steps that you should take afterwards in order to air your recovery and speed up any legal proceedings that take place.

  • If the incident occurs in British waters it should be reported straight away to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), which is a UK government organisation with the authority to investigate maritime accidents in UK waters. Their investigation will establish the cause of the accident, promote awareness of risks, and prevent recurrence.
  • If you are injured you should seek medical help as soon as possible. Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries this may involve being assessed on site by a paramedic, or being driven to hospital by a friend or colleague.
  • After being treated for your injuries, ask for a copy of the medical report as this will provide useful evidence when you begin your compensation claim.
  • Take photos of the scene of the accident, or ask somebody else if you are unable to, as these will also provide valuable evidence later on. If the boat has CCTV ask for a recording of the footage from the incident.
  • Obtain the contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement to back up your claim.
  • Document your injuries and your recovery journey with photos, to provide visual proof of the suffering endured after the accident.
  • Keep a record of any expenses incurred as a result of the accident, such as travel to and from hospital, prescription costs, therapeutic treatments you have received etc as you should be able to claim these expenses back.

If you have any questions about what to do after your boating accident please don’t hesitate to get in touch and a member of our Personal Injury Team will be more than happy to help you. We’re on your team and we want to ensure your compensation claim goes as smoothly and successfully as possible.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.

Martyn
via ReviewSolicitors

It is a pleasure to act as a case manager for clients represented by the personal injury team at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors. Lanyon Bowdler PI team are proactive and truly client centred. They understand the clients they represent and work tirelessly to achieve the best they can for them. Through collaborative working we have been able to achieve the best outcomes possible for our clients.

Rachel Dodwell
Community Case Management Services Ltd

As a case manager I work closely with litigation teams to ensure our clients get the expertise, support and care they need to bring them back to as close to their life pre-injury as possible. This is very often not an easy journey, and balancing the desires of the client to live their best life with collating and presenting the facts of how that life is altered, can be very challenging. Having worked alongside Lanyon Bowdler’s team for many years, I have noted it is always easier to strike this balance, when they are involved.

Shelley Lewis
AJ Case Management

Having worked with a succession of personal injury specialists at Lanyon Bowdler over the years, I have seen at first hand the top-flight legal expertise that they bring to every case and the commitment to obtaining the absolutely best result for every client. Equally importantly, I am struck by the compassion, empathy and humanity with which every client is treated. They go above and beyond to ensure their clients receive the very best representation.

Anthony Reddiford
Guildhall Chambers

The team at Lanyon Bowdler show an exceptional knowledge and understanding of their client’s needs, not just in terms of the claim that they lead, but also the emotional and personal experiences that they will have on that journey.

Jenny Whittall
JMW Ltd

Lanyon Bowdler provide seamless ongoing emotional support, information and guidance to their clients over what may be many years of a PI claim. This significantly helps mitigate the “stress” of a claim for their clients, and in my medicolegal experience puts them way ahead of other legal firms.

Professor Tony Elliott
Director UK Centre for Medico-Legal Studies

Contacted Lanyon Bowdler six months after an injury at work. They offered me several of their services, including no win no fee which I ended up choosing. The solicitor was extremely helpful, was always keeping me updated when there was news and answered promptly when asked for any updates or when I asked any questions. I was very happy with the final settlement and the advice I received proved to be the best for my case. I felt like the extra bit of care was extended to give me a good idea of the options I had to choose from which really helped to inform any decision.

Matthew
via ReviewSolicitors

From my initial approach to the final positive outcome I felt my solicitor was expending all his energy to win the case. I was kept informed throughout and was given straightforward advice on how to proceed. The end result was an acceptable outcome and the pay-out was prompt.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

Very friendly and quick to respond, highly recommend for anyone looking for legal advice.

Anonymous
via ReviewSolicitors

I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received over the past six years. I would highly recommend Lanyon Bowdler for legal requirements.

Jayne
via ReviewSolicitors

Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.

Michael
via ReviewSolicitors

I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.

Peter Weston
Shrewsbury

All work carried out effectively and efficiently.

Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors

An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.

Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors

Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.

Ian Jamieson
Telford

Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.

Lee

I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.

Heather
via ReviewSolicitors

Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.

Lisa Thacker

Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.

Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.

Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management

Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.

Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors

Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.

Tim
via ReviewSolicitors

We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.

Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry

Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice

Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors

Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.

Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors

Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.

Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin

Contact our Boat Accident Lawyers

Please give our Personal Injury Lawyers a call for a friendly, confidential, conversation about how we can help support you with a Boating Injury Claim. There is no commitment or charge for our initial assessment. Please contact a member of the team or complete our online inquiry form toward the top of this page on the right-hand side. We can also arrange a home or hospital visit when more convenient.

Lanyon Bowdler has offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, Telford, and Conwy in North Wales.

We are one of the most recognised firms of solicitors in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Mid and North Wales, Birmingham, and the Midlands, synonymous with excellence. We are able to offer a wide range of pricing options including fixed fees and service level guarantees.

As a leading regional law firm, we regularly act for clients on Boating Injury Claims. We can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales.

Our people

Meet the team.

Dawn Humphries
Dawn Humphries
Partner
Personal Injury
Debbie Humphries
Debbie Humphries
Partner
Personal Injury
Phillip Roberts
Phillip Roberts
Partner
Personal Injury
Isabella Drummond
Isabella Drummond
Paralegal Apprentice
Personal Injury | Medical Negligence
Amanda Clarke
Amanda Clarke
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Helen Gale
Helen Gale
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Kelly Gibbons
Kelly Gibbons
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Amy Burgoyne
Amy Burgoyne
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Karen Clarke
Karen Clarke
Partner
Personal Injury
Phyllis Smith
Phyllis Smith
Senior Litigation Assistant
Personal Injury
Alexander Spanner
Alexander Spanner
Associate Solicitor
Personal Injury
Morgan Thompson
Morgan Thompson
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Cameron Petch
Cameron Petch
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Tabassum Jamil
Tabassum Jamil
Trainee Solicitor
Personal Injury
Jo Kneller
Jo Kneller
Solicitor
Personal Injury
Sarah Martin
Sarah Martin
Costs Draftsman
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Jane Miles
Jane Miles
Associate Solicitor
Personal Injury
Andrew Morris
Andrew Morris
Trainee Costs Draftsman
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Miriam Homer
Miriam Homer
Solicitor
Personal Injury
David Hughes
David Hughes
Associate Costs Manager
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Knowledge

Case studies.

Case Study
Lanyon Bowdler case study icon

£5,000 for Work Shoulder Injury

The claimant had not received training from his employers in the use of the truck, nor in manual handling....
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Knowledge

Latest knowledge.

Podcast icon Podcast

The Defiant Brain Injured Teenager: Dawn Humphries, Lucy Speed and Andrew Worthington

Brain injuries can have a huge impact on an individual. In this episode, special guest Professor Andrew Worthington from...
Published • 21 Oct 2024
Blog

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

Members of the Armed Forces will often be placed into high-risk scenarios and can suffer significant, disabling inj...
Alexander Spanner • 11 Oct 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

Fatal Accident Claims – What You Need to Know: Miriam Homer and Dawn Humphries

Discussion of fatal accident claims. These claims need to be made where there has been a loss of life. We talk about the...
Published • 07 Oct 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

How to Prove Negligence in Sporting Injuries: Alexander Spanner and Cameron Petch

Negligence claims in sporting activities and how certain levels of risks are applied to different sports. They discuss a...
Published • 30 Sep 2024
Blog

National Road Victim Month – August 2024

As the summer holidays draw to a close and we approach the end of August, we also approach the end of National Road...
Debbie Humphries • 29 Aug 2024
Blog

Busting Myths and Misconceptions about Pers...

With numerous myths surrounding the complexity, cost and time involved in bringing a personal injury claim, people ...
Claudia Booth • 22 Jul 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

The Process of Disclosure in Personal Injury Claims – Miriam Homer and Amy Burgoyne

They explain their roles, and the process of disclosure, where the parties involved exchange documents in relation to th...
Published • 09 Jul 2024
Blog

The Most Important Law of Our Generation? –...

According to the Labour Force Survey for Great Britain during 2022/23, 561,000 workers were injured in the workplac...
Lauren McCarthy • 28 Jun 2024
Blog

Health and Safety in Construction

As with many other areas of work, anyone deemed to be controlling a construction site has responsibilities to keep ...
Alexander Spanner • 27 Jun 2024
Blog

Who is Responsible for Injury Awareness?

In 2021/2022 health and safety statistics suggest that there were 565,000 injuries sustained at work, with 61,713 n...
Karen Clarke • 26 Jun 2024
Blog

Accidents at Work: Falls From Height

We've all seen action movies and spy dramas where the lead character takes a dramatic dive off a building or bridge...
Morgan Thompson • 25 Jun 2024
Blog

Workplace Injuries: HGV Drivers

Sometimes there is no claim, as the accident could be the fault of the driver, but often the employer, or the emplo...
Phillip Roberts • 24 Jun 2024
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