Travel lawyers welcome admission of liability for cruise ship injuries
22/10/2010
Holidaymakers who were injured when their cruise ship was struck by a huge wave have won their battle for justice, after their tour operator accepted responsibility.
The operator Discover the World has accepted responsibility for the incident, which left a number of passengers severely injured and requiring an airlift to hospital, after it was found that the wave was caused when the ship sailed too close to an iceberg.
Passengers described how a large wave hit the boat after large chunks of ice broke away from the glacier.
Specialist travel lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, representing 12 of the 16 injured holidaymakers, have welcomed the admission of liability and discussions are now ongoing to come to a settlement that fully compensates the passengers affected.
Philip Banks of Irwin Mitchell said that passengers were thrown across the deck by the violent listing of the boat. Some passengers were so seriously injured that they had to be airlifted from the boat.
Mr Banks said: “This has been a lengthy and challenging legal battle and our clients are delighted that today Discover the World finally accepted responsibility for the actions which led to our clients suffering serious injuries,” said Philip Banks or Irwin Mitchell.
A trial had been scheduled for March 2011 to determine who was responsible for the incident but this will no longer be required.
Mr Banks added: “This is a very positive step forward and we are equally delighted that we have not had to put our clients through the stress of a trial. We hope that we are now able to work closely with Discover the World to ensure our clients are properly compensated for the suffering, distress and loss they have experienced and are able to put this ordeal behind them once and for all."
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