WHAT IS A BOAT ACCIDENT CLAIM?
If you were injured on a boat, ship or ferry through no fault of your own, you may be able to claim compensation.
A boat accident claim is a personal injury claim brought when you're hurt on the water – on a cross-Channel ferry, a cruise ship, a river trip or a private pleasure boat – because someone else failed to keep you safe. That might be a wet, unmarked deck, a poorly maintained gangway, a sudden collision, or crew who didn't act when they should have. Operators owe passengers and staff a clear duty of care, and when they fall short, you shouldn't be left to carry the cost.
Not sure whether you have a case? It takes two minutes to check using our personal injury claim calculator, or you can simply call us. You'll also find related help with our road traffic accident claims and sibling guides on train and rail accident claims and bus and coach accident claims. Worth knowing: claims involving sea-going ships and many ferries can fall under special maritime rules – the Maritime and Coastguard Agency regulates safety at sea – and some carry a shorter, two-year time limit under the Athens Convention. That's exactly why getting early advice matters.
What you can claim for
Pain & suffering
Compensation for the injury itself, from sprains and fractures to head and back injuries.
Lost earnings
Wages or self-employed income you've lost while off work recovering, now and in future.
Treatment costs
Physiotherapy, private care, prescriptions and rehabilitation to help you recover fully.
Travel expenses
The cost of getting to and from medical and legal appointments connected to your injury.
Care & assistance
Help with daily tasks from family or carers while you were unable to manage alone.
Ruined trip costs
Wasted holiday, cruise or excursion costs where your injury cut your trip short.
You may have a claim if…
Your accident happened in the last 3 years (or 2 years for some sea/ferry travel – ask us)
Someone else's negligence caused or contributed to your injury
You were a passenger or crew member on a ferry, ship or boat
You saw a doctor or have a medical record of the injury
How your claim works
01
Free consultation
Tell us what happened in a quick, no-pressure call. We'll let you know if you have a claim.
02
We investigate
We gather evidence – incident reports, witness details, photos and your medical records.
03
We negotiate
We arrange a medical assessment and push the operator's insurer for full, fair compensation.
04
You’re compensated
Your case settles, your compensation is paid, and you owe nothing if we don't win.
Boat, ship & ferry accident claim FAQs
Do you really work on a No Win No Fee basis?+
Yes. We run boat, ship and ferry accident claims on a No Win No Fee agreement, so there are no upfront fees and nothing to pay if your claim doesn't succeed. If you win, a success fee is deducted from your compensation, capped at 25% of certain damages for personal injury claims. We'll explain the figures clearly before you sign anything.
How long do I have to make a boat accident claim?+
Most personal injury claims must be started within 3 years of the accident. Crucially, sea-going ferry and cruise claims can be governed by the Athens Convention, which often imposes a shorter 2-year limit. Because the rules turn on where and how you were travelling, it's best to get advice as soon as you can so you don't lose the right to claim.
I was hurt on a cruise ship abroad – can I still claim?+
Possibly, yes. Where you booked through a UK operator, or the carrier has a UK connection, you may be able to bring a claim here in England and Wales. Cruise and international claims can be legally complex, so contact us early and we'll tell you honestly whether we can help and how the rules apply to your trip.
What if I was partly to blame for the accident?+
You may still be able to claim. If your own actions played a part, your compensation can be reduced to reflect that – this is called contributory negligence – but it rarely stops a claim outright. It's always worth letting us assess the full picture before you assume you can't pursue it.
What should I do after an accident on a boat or ferry?+
Report it to the crew and make sure it's logged in the accident book, get medical attention, and keep your ticket, booking confirmation and any photos. Note the names of any witnesses. The more evidence you gather early, the stronger your claim is likely to be.
How much compensation could I receive?+
Every case is different, but compensation typically reflects the severity of your injury plus your financial losses. As an illustration, a moderate wrist fracture might attract several thousand pounds for the injury alone, with lost earnings and care on top. These figures are illustrative only – we'll give you a realistic estimate once we understand your circumstances.
FREE CLAIM CHECK
See if you can claim in 60 seconds
