Claiming compensation for an accident on a ship

Claiming compensation for an accident on a ship: Your rights under the Athens Convention

If you’ve been injured in an accident on a ship, it’s important to know your legal rights under the Athens Convention. This international agreement sets out rules for the liability of ship operators when an accident causes injury or damage to passengers and their belongings.

What is covered under the Athens Convention?

The Athens Convention covers a wide range of scenarios involving passengers on sea voyages. Here are the main points:

1. Personal Injury and Death:
   • The Athens Convention allows victims to seek compensation from the ship operator. It includes accidents that occur while embarking or disembarking the vessel. This means if you are injured while getting on or off the ship, you have the right to seek compensation from the ship operator.
2. Damage to Luggage:
   • The Convention covers damage to or loss of your luggage during the trip. This applies to both cabin luggage (items you keep with you) and other luggage (items stored in the ship’s hold).
3. Lost or Damaged Vehicles:
   • If you’ve taken a vehicle on board the ship, the Athens Convention also covers damage to or loss of your vehicle during the voyage.

Making a claim under the Athens Convention

• Seeking specialist legal assistance.

Navigating a claim under the Athens Convention can be complex. Our experienced lawyers know what is required to succeed and can guide you through the claims process.

• Establishing that the incident occurred during the voyage.

We must show that the injury occurred while you were on the ship, or embarking or disembarking.

• Demonstrating negligence or fault.

To make a successful claim, we must prove that the ship operator or its employees were at fault. This usually involves:

a) Gathering Evidence:

• 1. Photographs or videos of the accident scene.
  2. Witness statements from other passengers or crew members.
  3. Medical reports detailing your injuries and the treatment you received.
  4. Reviewing maintenance logs or incident reports from the ship that might indicate a lack of proper safety measures.

b) Establishing Breach of Duty as a result of:

1. Poor maintenance of the ship.
2. Inadequate safety measures or warnings.
3. Untrained or negligent staff.

Time limits for claiming compensation for an accident on a ship

Under the Athens Convention, there are specific time limits within which you must make a claim:

• Two Years: For personal injury or death claims.
• Two Years: For luggage and vehicle damage claims.

It’s therefore important to act promptly to ensure your claim is valid.

No Win, No Fee funding

Navigating the complexities of the Athens Convention can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our firm specialises in these claims and we deal with them under a No Win, No Fee agreement. This means you won’t have to pay any legal fees if you lose your case.

Contact our free legal helpline

If you have been injured in a ship accident, please get in touch with us. Our experienced legal team is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation

Call 0333 888 0419 or email us at [email protected]