Brittany Ferries Accident Claims – How To Claim Compensation For A Personal Injury Against Brittany Ferries?

Brittany Ferries accident claims guideThis online guide relates to making personal injury claims against Brittany Ferries. The aim of this guide is to provide you with the knowledge you need, so that you can begin to make informed choices about your own claim. We cover many of the circumstances surrounding such accidents and injuries, and also look at the claims process itself.

No two claims are identical, each has its own unique circumstances. Because of this, you may find that this guide doesn’t answer all of your questions. If this is so, don’t worry, we can still help you. Just call our claims team on 0800 073 8801. Explain your situation to one of our claim advisers and they will evaluate your claim for you.

They can answer any questions you have at this stage, and also help you get your claim underway if it is potentially valid. This would involve arranging for a personal injury solicitor to process your personal injury claim for you.

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A Guide To Personal Injury Claims Against Brittany Ferries

Have you been injured in an accident on a Brittany Ferry that wasn’t your fault? Did you know that you may be able to claim for the ferry injuries you suffered? This guide explains why you may have a valid claim, and how to proceed with one if you do. It begins by looking at the concept of eligibility to claim, what Brittany Ferry accidents are, and how even minor accidents, not only a fatal ferry accident, could be the basis of a claim.

The next part of this guide is given over to different kinds of accidents and injuries that could occur on a ferry. We look at ferry collisions, and how these accidents can harm passengers. We also cover whiplash injuries, which could be caused by a collision. Slips, trips and falls are discussed, as are accidents caused by poor maintenance, or involving a person falling overboard. We go over the possibility of a person becoming ill, or suffering an allergic reaction after eating in one of the food outlets on a ferry as well. Additionally, we look at ferry related workplace accidents.

This guide then moves on to look at some of the legal considerations of making a ferry claim. We look at your ship passenger rights on a ferry, and we also go over some of the key legislation that ferry operators have to comply with.

The last part of this guide is given over to the financial aspects of making a claim. You will find a table that is based on the UK Judicial College Guidelines, that shows potential compensation ranges for a number of different illnesses and injuries. We have also added a list of some of the commonly claimed for damages.

Lastly, we explain how a No Win No Fee service works, and why this could be the ideal legal service for you when making your own ferry accident claim. Our team can provide you with further information, such as the personal injury claims time limit that is going to apply in relation to your own claim. They can also answer any questions you may have, if you give them a call on the telephone number down near the end of the page.

What Are Accidents And Injuries On A Brittany Ferry?

Not all incidents involving Brittany Ferries accidents involve a ferry collision, or a ferry sinking, such as in the Pont Aven ferry accident. There are many more kinds of less catastrophic accidents that a ferry passenger may be able to claim for if they are injured in one (and we will cover some of these later in this guide). In this section, we explain why you could be eligible to claim for any injuries you sustained in a ferry accident that wasn’t your fault. Any successful claim will exhibit three common facts, and these are:

  1. A passenger suffered an injury, either psychological or physical
  2. The incident that caused the injury was the responsibility of the ferry operator
  3. The ferry operator could have avoided harming the passenger had they taken alternative action

This describes the basic duty of care that a ferry company has to its passengers, which is to keep them free from harm and provide them with a safe service. When the company fails to meet this duty of care in some way, and this injures a passenger (or a member of the public, or an employee), then a personal injury lawyer may be able to process a claim on behalf of the injured party.

If you have been injured in an accident on a ferry and are unsure whether you have a valid claim or not, then please speak to one of our claim advisers. They will evaluate your claim for you and let you know in a no obligation initial consultation which is free of charge.

Accidents Which Could Happen On A Ferry

Although the Pont Aven ferry incident stands out as a very serious example of a ferry accident, the truth is that most incidents are far less serious in nature. This guide covers some of the ferry accidents you may be entitled to make a claim for, such as:

  • Serious accidents involving a ferry collision, or a ferry sinking
  • Injuries such as whiplash that can be the result of a ferry accident
  • Slips, trips and falls on a ferry
  • Accidents that are the result of poor maintenance of a ferry
  • Food-related illnesses and allergic reactions caused by ferry food
  • Passengers of members of the crew falling overboard
  • Work-related accidents involving the ferry crew and support staff

However the accident you were harmed in was caused, if you can prove the ferry company, or one of its representatives was to blame, you may have a valid claim. Speak to our claims team to find out today.

Ferry Crashes And Collisions

Thankfully, serious ferry accidents such as a Brittany Ferry crash, or a ferry sinking are rare indeed. As are all accidents involving the superstructure of the ferry itself. However, they can, and do happen from time to time. For example:

  • A ferry might collide with the dock when coming into port
  • A fire could break out on a ferry causing it to sink
  • A ferry could hit another ship/boat
  • The crew of the ferry could make a mistake and leave the loading doors open, causing it to sink

These kinds of incidents are rare, but they could happen. If you are injured in such an incident, and the ferry operator was to blame, you may have a valid basis for a compensation claim. Speak to our claims team for more help and advice on whether you have grounds to seek compensation.

Ferry Passenger And Crew Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a nonspecific injury of the neck, generally caused by a whipping action that causes the neck forwards and backwards, or side to side. The NHS has published some excellent information about whiplash. It is worth noting that whiplash could affect a passenger, or it could be a ferry worker injury.

In accidents such as those outlined above, where a ferry collides with a static object or another vessel, this could result in whiplash injuries in a similar way to how they are caused in road traffic accidents. Providing you can prove that the ferry operator, or some other third party (such as the owner of the vessel the ferry collided with), caused the accident and your injuries, you could have a valid compensation claim for whiplash.

Trips And Slips On A Ferry

Slips, trips and falls are a very common kind of accident. They can happen anytime, at any place. A ferry presents some fairly unique slip, trip and fall hazards, such as:

  • Seaspray that has made a deck wet could cause a person to slip
  • Rough seas could cause a person to fall down a stairwell if the safety rail is faulty
  • Maintenance equipment that has been left in an appropriate place could cause a passenger for a member of the ferry crew to trip and fall

If you are injured in a similar accident on a ferry, you must be able to prove that the ferry company was to blame for the hazard that caused the accident. Speak to our claims team to learn more about proving liability.

Accidents Caused By A Lack Of Maintenance

In this section, we look at the kinds of ferry boat accidents that can happen as a result of poor maintenance and faulty equipment. Not so much problems with the ferry itself (hull, engine, etc.), but the equipment and facilities on board. For example:

  • A faulty handrail causes a passenger to fall overboard (more on this in a later section)
  • Inadequate lighting in a stairwell could result in a passenger falling down the stairs
  • A faulty hand dryer in a ferry bathroom could cause a passenger to suffer an electric shock

Each of these examples shows how a passenger could be injured by faulty equipment, that the ferry operator would be responsible for maintaining in good working order and fit for use. In such cases, a claim may be possible. Our claims team can tell you more on whether you have a valid claim against the ferry company or not.

Allergic Reactions To Food On A Ferry

Not every Brittany Ferry incident that harms a passenger is a physical accident. For example, a person eating in one of the food outlets on a ferry could come down with food poisoning, or suffer an allergic reaction.

Poor hygiene and food that has been pre-prepared and kept warm can lead to bacteria multiplying. For some people, this can result in a case of food poisoning, or some other food-related illness.

People who suffer from a food allergy such as a nut allergy may be given the wrong information about the allergen content of food, and this could cause an allergic reaction.

In both cases, should the harm have been caused by the ferry operator, or one of their representatives, then a claim might be possible. If the illness or allergic reaction was the responsibility of a third-party food franchise operation, then it would be this legal entity that is pursued for damages. Speak to our team to learn more about this kind of claim and who could be held responsible.

Incidents Involving A Person Falling Overboard

From time to time, people do fall overboard whilst travelling by ferry. Either a passenger, or a member of the crew on a ferry to Brittany could fall overboard. There are procedures in place to deal with such an event, and legislation that aims at ensuring people are kept safe from falling overboard whilst at sea, or in port.

When a person does fall overboard, a claim could be possible if it can be proven that a) the incident was caused by a third party such as the ferry operator, or b) the ferry operator failed to execute the correct protocols for dealing with such an incident. One of our claim advisers can explain this in more detail, so please get in touch today.

Ferry Operator Crew And Staff Accidents

In the UK Brittany Ferries employees are always at risk of being harmed in a workplace accident more especially if the company they work for fails to uphold their duty of care towards the workforce, and does not comply with all applicable health and safety regulations at all times. When an employer does fail to protect their staff properly, and this results in a member of staff being injured in an accident, then the employer can face sanctions, including fines or prosecution.

If you are injured while working on a ferry, either at sea or whilst docked in port, if you can prove that your employer was to blame for the harm you suffered, you could have a valid basis for a claim. Speak to a claim adviser to have your case evaluated, and find out whether you may have a valid workplace accident claim against your employer.

What Are Your Ship Passenger Rights?

ABTA, which was formerly named the Association of British Travel Agents, but has since been reincorporated simply as ABTA Ltd, has published some useful information that relates to the rights of passengers travelling by ferry. ABTA has also detailed the process of making a complaint against a ferry operator. You can find links to both of these resources at the end of this guide. Some of these rights include:

  • The right to travel – you should not be refused bookings for disabled people
  • The right to assistance – if you need help while travelling, the ferry company must help you, as long as you notify them within 48 hours of travelling
  • Assistance in port – if you need help checking in your luggage, or dealing with immigration controls, the ferry operator must help you

You have other rights as well, such as those that protect consumers in the UK. If you need more information about your rights in relation to making a claim, please speak to one of our claims team today.

Passenger Ship And Ferry Safety Legislation

There are two main bodies of legislation that relate to ferry passengers, and how they should be protected from harm which are as follows:

  • The Athens Convention 1974 – providing a framework for establishing liability for vessels at sea outside national waters
  • The Merchant Shipping Act 1995 – general UK legislation for seagoing vessels

Furthermore, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is responsible for evaluating required legislator changes, and advising the organisations which maintain regulations related to seagoing vessels.

Personal Injury Compensation For Claims Against Brittany Ferries

The table below is based on the UK judicial guidelines and only relate to UK claims. It can help you to work out the range of compensation you could be able to claim in general damages.

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Injury Severity Compensation Notes
Injured hand Moderate £5,260 to £12,460 At the top end of the scale, injuries that have been partially treated by surgery. Also, all crush injuries, penetrating wounds, lacerations, etc. that will eventually heal fully after a period of 6 months or more.
Injured arm Moderate Up to £11,820 Elbow conditions such as tennis elbow, all soft-tissue injuries and fractures, as well as lacerations and flesh wounds that will heal fully leaving no impairment.
Injured back Moderate £26,050 to £36,390 All injuries that will result in some form of impairment or slight disability. Including compression or crush injuries to the vertebrae, as well as strains, sprains or any other soft tissue injury and traumatic flesh wounds that will take more than 6 months to heal.
Injured neck Moderate £23,460 to £36,120 (All injuries that will result in some form of impairment or slight disability. Including compression or crush injuries to the vertebrae, as well as strains, sprains or any other soft tissue injury and traumatic flesh wounds that will take more than 6 months to heal.
Injured foot Moderate £12,900 to £23,460 Injuries such as a metatarsal fracture that will heal in a way that deforms the foot, and results in some form of impairment such as not being able to wear normal shoes.
Injured leg Moderate £26,050 to £36,790 In this category, we would include all crush injuries and deep penetrating wounds as well as lacerations, and also all forms of fractures and soft-tissue injuries that would heal fully in time, and maybe result in an impairment that falls short of a full disability.
Injured head/brain Moderate £40,410 to £205,580 Cases where there is a measurable change in intellectual capability, a change of the personality, or damage to one of the sights. The result would be very limited prospects for employment in the future.
Illness Moderate £3,710 to £8,950 Such as food poising that will require prescripti0on medication to treat, and could manifest symptoms for several weeks, with complete recovery eventually.
Psychological damage Moderate £5,500 to £17,900 Psychological damage that will only last for the medium-term. Such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, that once recovered from will have no further effect on the life of the victim.

Our claims team can explain how you can get a more accurate valuation which would include the special damages you may be entitled to include in a ferry accident personal injury claim.

What Could I Claim After A Ferry Accident?

If your claim is successful, the compensation settlement that you receive will be made up of a number of kinds of damages, for example:

  • General damages:
    • Pain and suffering
    • Trauma and shock
    • Painful treatment and recuperation
    • Psychological damage
    • Permanent disability
  • Special damages:
    • Travel costs
    • Cost of care
    • Medical fees
    • Loss of earnings
    • Lowered income potential

If you would like to know more about the kinds of damages you may be able to claim, speak to one of our claim advisers today.

No Win No Fee Personal Injury Claims Against Brittany Ferries

Under a No Win No Fee deal, you pay nothing until the claim has been won, and then the solicitor will collect their pre-agreed fee (success fee) from the money that they have received for you. You don’t pay at the start of a claim, while it is being processed, or if it fails and you don’t get any compensation.

How Accident Claims UK Could Help You

Follow our simple, three-step new claims process to get the help you need:

  1. Call our claims team and explain your case
  2. Have an adviser evaluate your claim for you
  3. A solicitor will process it under a No Win No Fee Agreement

This simple process is all you have to follow to get your claim underway.

Start Your Claim

Whether you have questions about the personal injury claims process, or are ready to begin your claim, we can help. Call our claims team on 0800 073 8801. You will make contact with an adviser who will help you through our new claims process.

Supporting Information

These external pages might be useful:

ABTA Ferry Complaints

ABTA Ferry Passenger Rights

The IMO Homepage

You can also read these other guides:

Workplace Accident Claims

Holiday Accident Claims

Slip, Trip And Fall Claims

Article by MW (Mac)

Editor Honey