Working at sea or spending time on the water can present unique risks. Whether you are a seafarer, fisherman, offshore worker, harbour employee, passenger, or recreational sailor, a maritime personal injury accident can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a maritime personal injury claim.
At Kerrigan Solicitors, our experienced maritime personal injury solicitor advises clients throughout Galway and across Ireland. We understand the complexities of maritime law and are committed to helping injured clients secure the compensation they deserve.
What Is a Maritime Personal Injury Claim?
A maritime personal injury claim allows an injured person to seek compensation where an accident has occurred because of negligence or a breach of health and safety obligations. Maritime accidents often involve specialised legal issues, including employer responsibilities, vessel safety regulations, and international maritime conventions.
Claims may arise from accidents involving:
Commercial fishing vessels.
Cargo ships.
Passenger ferries.
Cruise ships.
Offshore oil and gas platforms.
Ports and harbours.
Marinas.
Recreational boats and yachts.
Whether your injury occurred while working at sea or as a passenger, obtaining legal advice from an experienced maritime accident solicitor is an important first step.
Common Causes of Maritime Personal Injury Accidents
Maritime accidents can happen for many reasons, including:
Slips, trips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces.
Defective or poorly maintained equipment.
Failure to provide appropriate safety equipment.
Unsafe lifting operations.
Falling cargo or equipment.
Machinery accidents.
Fires and explosions onboard vessels.
Vessel collisions.
Poor training or inadequate supervision.
Gas poisoning from rotting fish.
Inadequate ventilation.
Employers and vessel operators have a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe working environment. When that duty is breached, injured workers may have grounds to pursue a personal injury compensation claim.
What Should You Do After a Maritime Accident?
If you are involved in a maritime accident, taking the right steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries appear minor. Ensure the accident is reported to your employer, vessel master, or the relevant authority, and request that it is entered into the vessel’s accident log where applicable.
If possible, gather evidence such as photographs of the accident scene, damaged equipment, unsafe conditions, and your injuries. Obtain the names and contact details of any witnesses and keep records of medical treatment, expenses, and any time you are unable to work.
Early advice from a maritime personal injury solicitor can help preserve important evidence and ensure your claim is handled effectively.
Common Maritime Injuries
Maritime accidents can result in injuries ranging from relatively minor to life-changing, including:
Head and brain injuries.
Back and spinal injuries.
Broken bones.
Crush injuries.
Burns.
Amputations.
Soft tissue injuries.
Hearing damage.
Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Serious maritime injuries may require extensive rehabilitation and can significantly affect your ability to continue working within the maritime industry.
What Compensation Can Be Claimed?
If your maritime personal injury claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:
General Damages
Pain and suffering.
Special Damages
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be able to recover compensation for:
Loss of earnings.
Future loss of income.
Medical expenses.
Rehabilitation and physiotherapy costs.
Care and assistance.
Travel expenses.
Other financial losses arising from the accident.
Every claim is assessed individually based on the nature of the injuries, the impact on daily life, and the financial losses suffered.
Why Choose a Maritime Personal Injury Solicitor?
Maritime injury claims often involve specialist legislation and complex legal issues that differ from standard workplace accident claims. An experienced maritime personal injury solicitor will understand the legal framework governing accidents at sea and can guide you through every stage of the claims process.
Your solicitor can investigate the circumstances of the accident, obtain expert medical evidence, liaise with insurers, negotiate settlements and, where necessary, represent you in court proceedings.
Contact Kerrigan Solicitors
If you have been injured in a maritime accident, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our experienced maritime personal injury solicitor provides clear, practical advice and represents clients in a wide range of maritime accident claims, helping injured workers and passengers pursue the compensation they may be entitled to receive.
We can assess your circumstances, explain your legal options, and guide you through the maritime personal injury claims process with clear, practical advice. Contact us today on 091 820630, through our website at kerrigansolicitors.ie, or by email m.kerrigan@kerrigansolicitors.ie to arrange a confidential consultation.