Gangway Accident Attorney

Q: What is the hazard of gangways?

The biggest hazards of gangways are negligent supervision and slippery, ill-maintained gangways. Cruise ships are expected to provide passenger assistance and certain safety features, such as handrails for steep inclines and declines, and anti-slip strips or mats for slippery surfaces. Safety standards state that these gangways should be properly inspected and maintained, with non-slip surfaces and consideration of weather and tidal conditions.

Q: What is an example of an impact injury?

Impact injuries happen when you are struck by another object. That impact can cause serious injuries, including broken bones and back injuries. You may have grounds to seek compensation for these injuries if you were struck by something on the gangway, fell off the gangway, or slipped and fell and suffered an injury.

Q: What is a maritime injury?

Maritime injury covers any injuries or illnesses that happen on navigable waters in the US. Generally, maritime law states that these injuries happen due to the negligence of the vessel owner or operator, among other reasons.

Our Injury Attorneys Provide Award Winning Legal Representation to Victims Who Have Suffered a Gangway Accident

When your safety has been put at risk, you need the more than 200 years of combined experience that the lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. can provide. Our maritime attorneys offer extensive experience and accolades to help passengers and workers alike, accruing more than $450 million in recovery for our clients. We have also been featured on TV hundreds of times as legal professionals speaking on maritime accidents because we are recognized professionals in the field.

Occurring while passengers embark or disembark a cruise ship, gangway accidents are one of the most common cruise line injuries one can suffer. A gangway accident injury can easily happen when cruise lines do not take the proper precautions to protect those getting on and off their cruise ships, both as passengers and crew members.

Fortunately, maritime law allows injured passenger and crew member claims to be brought forward for gangway injuries. When gangway accidents occur, reach out to a skilled maritime attorney at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. We will take action when cruise lines breach this basic standard of care.

Who Is Liable for a Gangway Accident Injury?

You may have grounds for a personal injury claim when a gangway accident occurred while boarding or disembarking. Gangway related injuries may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractured bones, and even drowning.

General maritime law states that the vessel owner is typically the one liable for accidents like this. That means cruise lines should be held accountable for these accidents. As the owners of these cruise ships, the company should be responsible if the cruise line breached certain standards of care such as passenger assistance, which led to fall accidents, overboard accidents, or other injuries.

Compensation for Gangway Accidents

If you have suffered serious injuries involving a gangway accident, you may have a legal claim for your cruise ship injury to get compensated fairly by the vessel owners. What is your compensation worth?

Your compensation is based on the damages you have suffered, both economic and non-economic. Your economic damages cover all financial losses you have suffered, while your non-economic damages cover the intangible pain and suffering you experienced because of the accident. For those hurt in an accident involving a dangerous gangway, you may be due compensation that covers the following damages:

Lost wages
Medical care
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress

How a Gangway Injury Lawyer Can Help After Cruise Ship Accidents

Holding cruise lines accountable for their negligence can be difficult. You may be dealing with international maritime organizations if you were entering or exiting the ship on a shore excursion, which also impacts your jurisdictional limits. You may also face different challenges depending on your role on the ship, as maritime law considers passengers and workers under different standards.

Taking on these complex details without a maritime attorney can make it difficult to get your compensation, even if it is the legal duty of the party that injured you through negligence to pay. Fortunately, your attorney is here to protect your legal rights when you are injured while approaching or leaving the dock. We have the experience and equipment to gather evidence, determine who is liable for your injuries, and represent you in the courtroom.

Cruise Lines Gangway Accident FAQ

When you have been involved in a gangway accident, it can have a negative impact on your life. If the gangway part of your exit was damaged, or the cruise lines simply did not provide a safe method of exit, you may have a potential claim. However, it can be tough to get answers without the guidance of a lawyer about your specific case.

Sidebar: free consultation opportunities are available for our clients. Reach out for information and check out the following questions as you wait for your appointment.

What is the hazard of gangways?

What is an example of an impact injury?

What is a maritime injury?

Our Accident and Injury Attorneys Provide the Legal Guidance and Support You Deserve Following a Devastating Accident

When hurt in a gangway accident, do not hesitate to seek out the team that has one more than $450 million for their clients. Our team is highly accomplished, including being named among the “Best Law Firms” ® by US News & World Report since 2016.When you have been injured in a gangway accident, you may need guidance through the complex legal situation you find yourself in. Holding the cruise lines accountable for their actions is not easy, but the attorneys at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. are here to help. Start with a free consultation about your claim and what compensation you may be due by calling 877-233-1238 or filling out our online contact form.

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