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.
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.
If you've 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 lawyers, we’re here to provide the tailored support and legal advice you need.
What are the common types of cruise ship accident claims?
Cruise ship accidents can occur in a wide variety of ways, and understanding the most common scenarios can help you determine whether you may have a valid cruise ship accident claim or ferry accident claim.
Below are some examples of what we have helped our clients claim compensation for:
Slips, trips and falls on deck, or injuries suffered while embarking or disembarking
Fell overboard due to a lapse in the proper safety measures
Accidents during wave turbulence
Medical negligence – for example, the ship’s doctor fails to spot a serious injury or misdiagnoses a health problem
Injuries caused by other passengers
Burns or scalds from food service
Naturally, there are many other ways in which injuries can arise on a cruise ship or ferry. 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 cruise injury compensation could I be owed?
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 during your holiday the accident occurred), compensation awarded could cover:
Pain, suffering, and 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)
At Slater and Gordon, we work closely with medical experts and financial specialists to ensure your claim accurately reflects the full impact of your injury. Our priority is to secure the maximum compensation possible so you can focus on your recovery.
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 Athens Convention is an international treaty that governs passenger rights in the event of accidents at sea. It plays a crucial role in many cruise ship accident claims and ferry accident claims, particularly when incidents occur outside UK waters.
Under the Athens Convention, cruise operators are held responsible for the safety of their passengers. The Convention sets out clear guidelines regarding liability in cases of injury, loss or damage suffered during maritime travel. This includes incidents that occur on board the vessel as well as during embarkation and disembarkation.
However, it also imposes strict rules on liability, time limits, and the requirements for making a claim. Because of these complexities, it is essential to seek specialist legal advice if you have been injured on a cruise. At Slater and Gordon, our expert lawyers are experienced in handling claims governed by the Athens Convention and can ensure that your case is managed correctly from the outset.
Speak to our specialist cruise ship accident lawyers
What evidence is required for a cruise ship accident claim?
To make a successful cruise ship accident claim, we will need to gather clear and reliable evidence to demonstrate how the accident occurred, who is at fault, and how severely your injuries have affected you. The more comprehensive the evidence we can collect, the stronger your claim will be.
Our specialist lawyers will work closely with you to determine what evidence is needed, though it will typically include:
Medical records, such as GP and hospital records that evidence your injuries, how they were caused, and the extent to which they affect you
Photographic and video evidence, including photos of the accident scene, any visible injuries, or video footage of the accident itself
Accident logs from the cruise operator (if you reported the accident to staff at the time, a formal record should have been taken)
Documents relating to your trip, such as booking confirmation or communications with the cruise ship operator
Witness statements (eyewitness accounts of the accident)
Records of financial losses, such as lost wages, medical or care costs, or travel costs
How do I make a cruise ship accident claim?
At Slater and Gordon, we understand that a cruise should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. However, if you have been injured on a cruise, your holiday can quickly turn into a distressing situation. Whether your incident occurred on a luxury liner or a ferry, our specialist lawyers can guide you through every step of making a cruise ship accident claim or ferry accident claim.
Speak to one of our specialist accident at sea compensation lawyers on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online for a no-obligation discussion about your case, and we’ll let you know if you have a claim.
We will talk you through the claim process step-by-step. Your lawyer will also identify any evidence that could support your case.
As part of your claim, we will need to access your medical records and arrange an examination with an independent medical expert who specialises in providing legal evidence.
Our experts will ensure you have access to the best quality treatment, rehabilitation and physiotherapy to maximise the chances of a full recovery and future independence.
We’ll work hard to secure the best possible compensation in negotiations. Rarely, a claim may go to court, in which case your lawyer will represent you throughout proceedings.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s cruise ship accident lawyers?
We are a leading UK consumer law firm with extensive experience helping clients secure the compensation they deserve after accidents at sea. Our team offers clear advice, compassionate support and access to a No Win No Fee cruise ship claim, so you can pursue justice without financial risk.
Our specialists have received high rankings from reputable independent legal guides, such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500
Many of our personal injury lawyers hold positions within the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), including senior litigator and brain injury specialist
We’re proud to be rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot based on thousands of reviews
Leading our holiday accident team, Stephen Goodman, has been noted as a 'rising star' in the Legal 500 and a 'Star Associate' in the 2022 edition of Chambers and Partners, and is also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to excellence in his field
Our industry-leading team has decades of experience in successfully pursuing accident abroad compensation, no matter how complex your case
We have a strong network of relationships, both domestically and internationally, and work closely with medical experts and foreign lawyers who provide us with invaluable insights to expedite your claim swiftly and efficiently
We believe everyone should be entitled to legal expertise, which is why we offer a variety of funding options, including No Win No Fee agreements
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
Frequently asked questions about cruise ship accident claims
Is there a time limit to make a cruise ship accident claim?
There are strict time limits for bringing a cruise ship accident claim, and these can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. In many instances, claims are governed by the Athens Convention, which typically sets a two-year limitation period from the date of the accident or the date you disembarked the vessel.
Because of the short limitation period, it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you have been injured on a cruise. At Slater and Gordon, we can quickly assess your case and ensure all deadlines are met, protecting your right to claim accident at sea compensation.
How long does an accident at sea compensation claim take?
The length of time it takes to resolve a cruise ship accident claim can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case and whether liability is disputed. Some claims may be resolved quite quickly, while more complex cases involving serious injuries or international legal issues may take longer.
Claims involving the Athens Convention can also introduce additional complexities. In these cases, securing the right legal representation is essential to ensure your claim progresses efficiently.
At Slater and Gordon, we work hard to move your cruise injury compensation claim forward as quickly as possible while ensuring no detail is overlooked. We keep you informed throughout the process and aim to minimise delays wherever possible, so you can focus on your recovery.
Can I make a claim if I was injured as a crew member?
Yes, crew members who are injured while working at sea may also be entitled to make a claim for compensation. While many cruise ship accident claims focus on passengers, crew members have legal rights as employees and may be able to pursue compensation if their injury was caused by negligence.
Employers have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment, adequate training and appropriate equipment. If these responsibilities are not met and you suffer an injury, you may be entitled to claim damages for your pain, suffering and financial losses.
At Slater and Gordon, we have experience supporting both passengers and crew members with their accident at sea compensation claims. We can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process, ensuring your case is handled with the expertise it deserves.
What should I do if I’ve been injured on a cruise ship?
If you have been injured on a cruise, your first priority should always be to seek medical attention. Even if your injury seems minor, it is important to have it assessed and documented by a medical professional. This creates a record that can support your claim for cruise injury compensation.
You should also report the incident to the ship’s staff as soon as possible and ensure that an official report is created. Gathering evidence at this stage, such as photographs of the scene and contact details of witnesses, can also be extremely helpful.
Once you return home, it is important to seek legal advice without delay. At Slater and Gordon, we can assess your case and provide clear guidance on your options, helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. Speak to our team to learn more or to start your claim by calling us on 0330 041 5869 or getting in touch online to request a call back.
Do I need to report the accident before I disembark from the ship?
Yes, reporting the accident before you leave the ship is strongly recommended. Most cruise operators have procedures in place for documenting incidents and failing to report your injury while still onboard may make it more difficult to prove your claim later. It can also be a requirement under the terms and conditions of your ticket or under the Athens Convention.
When reporting the accident, make sure the details are recorded accurately and request a copy of the report if possible. Providing as much information as you can at the time, including the circumstances of the accident and any hazards involved, will help support your case.
At Slater and Gordon, we always advise clients to report incidents as soon as they occur. This simple step can significantly strengthen your claim for accident at sea compensation and help ensure your legal rights are protected.
Can I claim if I fell during rough seas?
Yes, you may still be able to make a cruise ship accident claim if you were injured during rough seas, depending on the circumstances. While adverse weather conditions are not always preventable, cruise operators still have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect passengers from harm.
This may include securing furniture, providing clear warnings and restricting access to certain areas of the ship when conditions are unsafe. If your injury occurred because these precautions were not taken, you may be entitled to cruise injury compensation.
At Slater and Gordon, we carefully investigate every aspect of your case to determine whether you have grounds for an accident at sea compensation claim. Our expertise ensures that even complex cases are handled with care and precision.
Can I make a No Win No Fee cruise ship accident claim?
Yes, you can. All the cruise ship accident claims we pursue are funded through a No Win No Fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement.
Making a No Win No Fee cruise ship accident claim means you don’t have to pay anything upfront to start your claim, and you won’t owe us a penny in legal fees if your case is unsuccessful. This means you can pursue cruise injury compensation regardless of your financial situation, without any risk.
At Slater and Gordon, we are committed to providing transparent, accessible legal services. Our goal is to help you secure the accident at sea compensation you deserve, with minimal stress and maximum support throughout the process.
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