Like other property owners, yacht and boat owners may be held liable for failing to provide adequate security under certain circumstances. Proving legal responsibility based on negligent security aboard a yacht, or another vessel can be challenging. It is important to consult with an attorney to determine if you should pursue a claim for damages.
As experienced maritime trial attorneys, we have successfully helped many clients obtain compensation for injuries caused by negligent security on boats or at marinas. Our lawyers are dedicated to pursuing the largest possible recovery for you and your family.
If you were injured aboard a yacht or another vessel, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
When Can a Boat Owner or Operator Be Held Liable for Negligent Security?
As a passenger on a boat or yacht, you expect that the vessel will provide a safe environment, free from the risk of theft, assault, or other crimes. Boat owners and operators have a duty to provide adequate security to ensure passengers’ safety while on the vessel. When boat owners fail to provide that security, they may be held liable for injuries that occur as a result of their negligence.
Examples of inadequate security include:
- Untrained or unsupervised crew
- Inadequate screening
- Lack of surveillance cameras
- Failure to fix broken locks on doors
- Insufficient lighting in hallways and stairwells
While not all criminal acts can be prevented, a boat owner is expected to provide safeguards against those that are foreseeable. For instance, if there has been a history of criminal activity on a boat or yacht (or at the dock) and the owner fails to take steps to prevent future crimes (such as installing working surveillance cameras or fixing broken locks), they may be held legally responsible.
What Injuries Are Caused by Negligent Security?
Inadequate security can cause a wide range of harm to passengers. Common injuries attributable to negligent security on boats and yachts include:
- Assault-related injuries. Alcohol consumption is common while on boats, yachts, and ships. Unfortunately, this can increase the likelihood of alcohol-related incidents, including assault and battery. When proper safety measures are lacking, the risk of such incidents rises. These assaults can lead to a wide range of injuries, including brain injuries, bruising, broken bones, and damage to internal organs. A lack of security can, in certain instances, allow alcohol-related incidents to escalate and put passengers at risk of significant harm. When this is the case, the boat owner or operator may be held liable for failing to prevent the victim’s injuries.
- Injuries related to sexual assault or rape. A lack of screening and security measures can result in unimaginable harm to passengers, including injuries related to sexual assault or rape. In addition to physical injuries, sexual assault survivors often experience long-term mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety disorders.
- Harm due to robbery or theft. Insufficient lighting, broken locks, and inoperable security cameras may result in an uptick in robberies and theft on a vessel. When these crimes become violent, resulting injuries may include broken bones, concussions, or worse.
If you are injured by another person on a boat or yacht, you need to speak with an attorney. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you might be entitled to compensation from the perpetrator, the owner of the vessel, or another liable party.
What to Know About Proving Liability in Negligent Security Cases
Most negligent security claims are related to harm caused by a third party. This means it can be difficult to prove that the lack of security on the boat, vessel, or marina, was the reason that the victim’s injuries occurred.
Generally, a property owner including the owner of a vessel cannot be held liable for the unforeseeable criminal acts of a third party. Therefore, to prove the legal responsibility of the boat owner for negligent security, you must be able to show that the harm or crime was foreseeable.
Injured Due to Negligent Security? Contact Our Office.
Were you or a loved one injured due to negligent security on a boat or yacht? Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation. All consultations are confidential and provided without obligation to retain our firm.
Get the legal support you need from our award-winning maritime trial attorneys. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients across Miami and South Florida. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
