The dangerous nature of the sea and port operations means that accidents and injuries occur on commercially operated vessels, leisure vessels and in ports.
For professional seafarers in particular, working at sea presents risk of from for injury, from minor injuries and slips, trips and falls through to serious and life-threatening injuries or even loss of life.
To the operators of passenger vessels, including yachts, cruise ships and all types of ferries, the safety of their passengers is paramount, but accidents and injuries can still occur.
And within ports and terminals with cranes, containers and heavy vehicles operating on a constant basis, even with the most rigorous Health & Safety measures in place, there is still a risk of accidents and injuries occurring which bring risks to the operators.
In an attempt to mitigate these risks of injury and death, vessel owners and operators are subject to numerous regulations and international conventions including the Merchant Shipping Act, The Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels Regulations, and SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). Equivalent legislation is applicable to port operations.
This all adds up to one thing - the need for expert, knowledgeable legal advice should the worst happen.
Shearwater Law has worked with many of the biggest operators in the maritime industry to mount a robust and effective defence against claims.
Personal injury and accident claims[KS1]
Shearwater Law’s expertise defending personal injury and accident claims spans all stages of a claim, from pre-action handling and investigation to litigation through to trial.
Our experience includes:
- Conducting site visits, taking statements and collecting relevant documentation.
- The handling and defence of claims pre-action.
- Advice on liability, risks and opportunities at the pre-action stage.
- Defence of claims to trial, mediation, or arbitration where required.
- Negotiation of costs and assessment of costs in court.
- The handling of and appeal against liabilities to refund the Department of Work & Pensions.
Our approach to personal injury and accident claims
Straightforward. Effective. Efficient. These are just a few of the words that sum up our approach to handling personal injury and accident claims.
At Shearwater Law, we understand that defending personal injury claims can be a challenging and complex process.
That’s why we focus on reaching the best resolution as soon as possible, identifying the merits of the case at the earliest possible stage, whilst keeping commercial considerations front and centre.
However, should litigation be needed our team of lawyers will use their considerable experience and expertise to pursue the case to a successful conclusion.