Maritime Slip and FallsSlip and Falls Might Seem Like a Minor Event, but Can Lead to Major Injuries

Slip and fall accidents on boats, boarding from docks and marinas, or departing from boats to docks and marinas can cause serious injuries and may give rise to complex maritime injury claims under Maryland and federal law. Wet surfaces, unstable footing, changing water conditions, and vessel movement can create dangerous conditions for passengers,  and visitors aboard recreational watercraft.

Unlike ordinary premises liability cases on land, slip and fall accidents occurring on navigable waters may involve maritime law and specialized legal standards. Vessel owners and operators have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions aboard the vessel and to warn passengers about dangerous hazards they knew or should have known about.

Common causes of slip and fall accidents on vessels include wet or slippery decks, accumulated water, unsecured equipment, poor lighting, uneven walking surfaces, damaged stairways, defective railings, excessive vessel movement, and failure to provide proper warnings. In some cases, accidents occur because operators navigate recklessly in rough water conditions or create unsafe wakes that cause passengers to lose balance and fall.

Determining liability in a vessel slip and fall case often requires investigation into vessel maintenance records, inspection procedures, operator conduct, safety policies, weather conditions, and the condition of the walking surface at the time of the incident. Maritime slip and fall claims can involve complicated issues relating to admiralty jurisdiction, comparative fault, notice of hazardous conditions, and federal maritime safety standards. Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to vessel owners, operators, charter companies, marina operators, maintenance contractors, or other responsible parties.

Slip and fall accidents frequently occur aboard recreational boats, charter vessels, and on docks and marinas throughout Maryland waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, shoulder injuries, knee damage, back injuries, and drowning or near-drowning events when victims are thrown into the water.

Please call 301-888-HURT for Maryland Personal Injury Attorney George P. Patterson, with 30 years of experience in both state and federal court to schedule a free consultation. He is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and a Top 5 Maryland Plaintiff Personal Injury lawyer by Super Lawyers.  Patterson Law’s office is located in Annapolis, Maryland by the Anne Arundel Medical Center.