A passenger has been awarded compensation after being injured travelling on a night ferry from Jersey to Portsmouth.

 

George Shimmans, an electrical craftsman, was returning home on the ferry after a business trip when the accident occurred. He was sitting in a seat with a low back that only came up to his waist. When the ferry suddenly shook he was thrown backwards off the chair. In the fall Mr Shimmans seriously injured his back and the injury has changed his life completely. He now finds it difficult to walk for any distance and can only drive for a short period. He was forced to take early retirement, which has reduced his income.

 

Mr Shimmans brought the action against Condor Ferries on the basis that the chair they had provided for him was neither safe nor fit for the purpose. The ferry company settled the claim and Mr Shimmans won £140,000 to compensate him for the losses he has suffered.

 

If you have suffered an injury – even in circumstances that appear unusual – it may be possible to claim compensation.