Q: Is it US State law that a gangway to a passenger ship (sightseeing tourist vessel) must be secured at all times?
I recently had an accident whilst boarding a passenger sight-seeing vessel where the hatch on the gangway was not secured and it gave way when the boat moved, making me fall deep down between the oat and the dock.
I was under water for approx 25 seconds, then when I surfaced it was passengers who got me out - are there no regulations/procedures for man overboard that staff should adhere to?
A: Admiralty - maritime laws may provide a remedy and cause of action to you. You should contact an attorney who handles cases of this nature. There are restrictions and procedures applicable to most admiralty - maritime claims. Also, contact an attorney with particular knowledge of these claims. Good luck.
A: There are US Coast Guard Regulations and may be DOT regulations. However you would have a claim so contact a member of the Trial Lawyers Assn or Assn for Justice for the state where this happened.
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