Our maritime injury attorneys represent clients nationwide who have suffered injuries at sea, such as those sustained by U.S. Navy service members in the 2017 collision with the ACX Crystal. If you or someone you know was aboard the USS Fitzgerald when the tragedy occurred, please call 1-800-3-MAY-DAY or complete our online contact form today.
Why it Is Vital That We Hold NYK Line Accountable
NYK Line, the shipping company that chartered the ACX Crystal, is a worldwide conglomerate with extensive business ties in the U.S. that generate millions of dollars in profits each year. Although representatives from NYK Lines have apologized for the collision and have cooperated with the investigation into the incident, they have not yet admitted legal liability for the tragedy.
While the fatal incident took place off the coast of Japan, federal maritime law allows U.S. employees to file civil claims for injuries that occur anywhere in the world—especially if those injuries were the result of negligence. Several USS Fitzgerald crew members have already filed claims against NYK Line, hoping to force the company to acknowledge its role in the tragedy.
The pending lawsuits aim to ensure:
- Compensation for the seamen’s suffering. The survivors of the tragedy have suffered a range of injuries, but the majority are still coping with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A settlement with NYK Lines would allow victims to get the ongoing treatment they need to improve their quality of life and make up for the lost income caused by disability.
- Proper crew training. A judgement against NYK could force the company to ensure its crews are adequately experienced, trained, and supervised before allowing them to sail into open water.
- Prevention of future tragedies. As one of the largest shipping conglomerates in the world, NYK Line has the potential to cause thousands of accidents and untold loss of life if its company policies remain unchanged. The suit includes a request for punitive damages against NYK Lines to punish the defendant for its many oversights. If successful, it sends a clear message to NYK Line—and all shipping companies that do business with the U.S.—that they will be held accountable for negligence.
If you are a service member who was aboard the USS Fitzgerald when it was struck, you may be owed a recovery from the shipping line. However, you must file your claim within three years from the date of the accident. Call 1-800-3-MAY-DAY or complete our online contact form today to set up your free case evaluation.
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