Who: Slater and Gordon Associate in Public Liability, Stuart Lester
What: Just like summer brings more cars on the road, as the sun comes out, so will an increase in ferry passengers and other boats on the water. After a Sydney Ferry had a steering failure last month, and exactly a year ago a CityCat crashed into a private boat, expert in Public Liability law is letting passengers know that injuries on ferries are still considered injuries in public transport, and that being on the water doesn’t change your rights or what you should do if you’re injured.
When: Available in the morning for phone interview
Contact: Cassandra-Elli Yiannacou 0401322593
“For so many of us, public transport is an essential part of our daily lives, and certainly the easiest way to get to and from work, school or even just a summer BBQ. Unfortunately, as the sun comes out the popularity of ferry travel will increase, many people when injured in public transport accidents are not aware of their legal rights to receive compensation.”
“According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority there were 94 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in September this year. In November last year a CityCat crashed into a private boat, and just last month a Sydney Ferry had a steering failure.
“Just as summer usually means more people on the road and drivers should be on high alert, the better weather means more people will be on the water and the same caution and care must be taken.”
“Unfortunately, people who are injured in public can sometimes feel embarrassed or ashamed or blame themselves and don’t take their injuries seriously which can lead to more severe injuries down the line.”
If you're injured on public transport, at the scene (if possible) you should:
- Report the incident to the public transport operator responsible for the service.
- Obtain details of any witnesses.
“After the accident, seek appropriate medical treatment and report the accident to the police and public transport operator if this was not done at the scene. After that you can make a claim with the insurance company or regulatory body in your state.”
“If your injuries appear to be minor and you’re able to, take photos of them as they can help if your injuries worsen over time, as most injuries in public transportation crashes tend to.”
“As a public liability lawyer, I often see people who want to ‘shake off’ their injuries and think since it was just a fall it was nothing, not realizing that there can be knock on effects. The risk of slips, falls, and tripping hazards may seem harmless, but according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare,43% of injuries in Australia are due to falls leading to hospitalisations.”
The most common types on injuries on boats such as Ferries include:
- Slipping and falling on board, causing a head injury, spinal injury or fracture.
- Falling overboard, causing a psychological injury due to trauma.
- Injuries caused by inadequately maintained equipment.
- Injuries caused by collision with another boat or stationary object.
“All travel, be it ferry or car can come with a small risk. For most of us we never experience that risk. But it’s important to know what can occur and that the public know their rights and stay safe while enjoying our beautiful water transport.”
Contact details:
Cassandra-Elli Yiannacou 0401322593
