Can I Sue After a Ferry Accident in the USVI?

 Posted on August 13, 2025 in Personal Injury

Ferry travel as a way of connecting the islands to each other is a regular part of life in the U.S. Virgin Islands. While most trips are safe and routine, accidents can happen. Sometimes they are due to hazardous conditions, operator negligence, or unsafe equipment. 

If you were injured aboard a ferry in the USVI, it is important to understand your legal rights, the laws on the islands, and the steps you can take to pursue fair compensation. Speak with an experienced St. John personal injury attorney about your case to review your options.

What Are the Laws About Ferry Injuries in the Virgin Islands?

Injuries aboard ferries in the USVI can involve both territorial and federal maritime law. Under the Virgin Islands Code, Title 25 (Navigation), operators must follow the same safety requirements that apply to other passenger-carrying vessels. At the federal level, general maritime law imposes a duty of reasonable care to passengers, and the Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 30104) addresses what to do if members of the crew (referred to in the law as seamen) are injured or suffer a wrongful death. Depending on the vessel, U.S. Coast Guard regulations for passenger vessels and ferries may also apply.

What Causes Ferry Injuries?

Many ferry injuries happen because of unsafe conditions or preventable mistakes. Some common examples include:

• Slips, trips, and falls on wet or uneven decks

• Falls on unstable gangways during boarding or disembarking

• Collisions due to operator error or equipment failure

• Injuries caused by overcrowding or inadequate safety procedures

• Lack of life jackets or functioning safety equipment

Even seemingly minor accidents can result in serious harm, including broken bones, head injuries, or spinal damage.

Can You Sue for a Ferry Injury in the USVI?

If negligence played a role in your injury, you may be able to file a claim against the ferry company, the vessel’s owner, or other responsible parties. For a personal injury claim to succeed, you need to prove that the operator failed to act with reasonable care and that this failure directly caused your injury.

What Compensation Can I Get for a Ferry Accident? 

If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to recover damages for current and future medical expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, your pain and suffering, and property damage if any personal items were lost or destroyed as a result of the accident. A knowledgeable attorney can help calculate the full value of your losses and negotiate with insurers or pursue litigation if necessary.

Contact a St. John Personal Injury Lawyer

Ferry injury cases in the USVI often involve complex questions of law, jurisdiction, and insurance coverage. An attorney familiar with both territorial and maritime law can navigate these challenges, gather evidence, and advocate for the maximum recovery possible. 

If you were injured aboard a ferry in the U.S. Virgin Islands, do not wait to get legal advice. Contact a St. John personal injury attorney at Colianni & Leonard LLC by calling 340-719-1766 for a free consultation. Our team will review your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.