Accidents on commercial ships, oil rigs, and other large watercraft are governed by different and sometimes even overlapping laws depending on their location and the nation whose flag each vessel is flying.

Cruise ship accidents have many causes, including:
  • Malfunctioning Or Inoperable Equipment
  • Poor Deck or Deck Giulian
  • Unseaworthiness of the Vessel
  • Crew Inexperience
  • Passenger Inexperience
  • An error in Trial or Judgment
  • Engineering Defects or Mechanical Malfunctions
  • Improper Manning
  • Service Inefficiency
  • Negligent Personnel Practices
  • Improper May or Preparation
  • Unclear or Unclear Navigation

Large ships at sea, and passengers falling overboard or becoming sick with dangerous communicable diseases while at sea. In such instances, laws and international agreements govern how such incidents may be addressed, both in terms of remedying the immediate situation and compensating the victims for their injuries. Such laws are in place to prevent such incidents from ever occurring in the first place, like minimum qualifications for those running the vessels, designated safe routes the vessels are permitted to take, and international safety equipment regulations.

Because of their capacity and international transport, accidents involving these vessels can implicate several other areas of law. Immigration laws may be implicated if passengers are required to disembark in a country other than their intended destination, for example. Environmental laws may be implicated if the vessel causes any damage to the ecosystem (such as running it aground). And personal injury laws will be implicated for any persons injured in the accident.

Few cargo ship accidents occur per year. There is very little data regarding injuries or deaths in the general population, but in 2010, for instance, there were 1133 injuries and ten deaths among dockers. Researchers have identified good crew training, use of safety gear, and coordinated emergency response, as measures to minimize death, injury, and pollution.

After an accident on a commercial vessel, it is essential to thoroughly investigate the issues and determine whether a criminal offense has occurred, such as The Jones Act, which protects sailors and other seafarers injured or killed. An investigation may provide evidence of intentional wrongdoing by the vessels captain or other authority figures.

Oil Rig Accident Lawyers

These accidents can raise many questions related to legal responsibilities, administrative actions, and health and safety. The 2010 Deep-water Horizon oil rig incident exemplifies all of these possibilities.

There were personal injury and worker claims made by personnel on the rig, as well as those who were secondary sufferers of the oil spill. The accident affected the economic livelihood of millions of people who relied on fishing and other industries damaged by the spill to make a living. It also brought congressional hearings, Environmental Protection Agency actions, and other administrative actions.

Commercial ship accident lawyers are experienced with cases involving commercial ships, boats, ferries, and public transportation wars. Commercial ship accidents attorneys can help evaluate an accident scene and determine if negligence was involved and whether you can recover damages for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The commercial ship accident lawyers in our robust database have the skill, expertise, and experience you need and can help you make the right legal decisions.