Damages Awarded for Christmas Party Fall from Boat

A woman who fell from a boat during a pleasure cruise has been awarded compensation for the injuries she suffered as a result.

The woman was at a Christmas party, with colleagues from work, when the accident happened. She and a friend had been dancing and went up on deck to sit on the seating provided around the side of the boat.

Even though the boat was moving, the guard rail where the woman sat had been left in a raised position, as it would be for passengers to get on and off the boat, and she fell backwards into the water.

She developed a blood disorder as a result of being in the water and had to be admitted to hospital. She also suffered from post-traumatic stress.

When a claim was brought against the boat company, it denied any responsibility for the accident. In court, however, the judge found that it was liable and the woman was awarded an undisclosed sum in damages.