Who Regulates Ferry Services? Ferry services must abide by numerous federal and state laws, but injuries on ferries are usually covered by state personal injury laws.
What Can Happen On A Ferry? Any number of injuries can occur on a ferry. Unintentional ferry accidents can include: Can A Ferry Service Be Liable For The Injury I Sustained On The Ferry? In most states, ferry boats must provide a significant amount of care to their passengers. If you are wounded, a ferry owner or operator may be held responsible for the injuries that could have been avoided with greater caution or increased attention.
How Will a Ferry Service Try to Limit Its Liability?If you are injured on a ferry service, the ferry owner or operator will likely attmept to limit its liability by claiming: - To have warned you of certain dangers;
- You acted carelessly and should have known that you could be injured; and
- Protection under the 1851 federal maritime law. As illustrated after the 2003 Staten Island ferry crash, the city of New York invoked this law to try to limit its liability to the value of the ferry. To succeed, the city was required to show that it was unaware of the crewmember actions that ultimately caused the catastrophe.
Do I Need A Lawyer?If you have been injured as a passenger on a ferry, the owner or operator may be responsible for your medical fees and other costs. A personal injury lawyer can help you to assess your situation and to better understand your rights in the legal process. |
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