Legal Insights on the Ferry Dock Collapse on Sapelo Island, GA

Saturday, October 24th, there was a fatal accident on Sapelo Island’s Ferry Dock in Georgia. Seven lives have been reported lost, with many others injured due to the gangway collapsing. There are many legal factors to consider surrounding this tragic accident. Our very own Ted Spaulding, gives expert legal insight into who may be accountable for this catastrophic gangway failure.

Continue reading to learn more, or watch Attorney Ted Spaulding’s interview with Georgia’s local news station WSAV3 below.

What Caused the Gangway Collapse on Sapelo Island, GA?

While local authorities are still investigating what caused the ferry dock to collapse, there may be legal implications against the manufacturer of the gangway and the state of Georgia. Especially in such tragic circumstances as this, investigating the negligence around what caused the failure is crucial. It’s important for the families who lost loved ones and those who were injured to understand what the cause was and who should be held accountable.

Is There a Case for the Victims Who Were Injured in the Ferry Dock Collapse in Georgia?

“Speculation right now, from what we’re hearing, is that there will probably be a case here by the families and anyone who is injured or survived. That would be against whoever owned that area, who may have been responsible for maintaining it, and who manufactured any of the components of the gangway. Now, all of that may be the state at the end of the day.”

– Ted Spaulding answers in his interview with WASV

Who Might Be Liable for the Gangway Collapse in Georgia?

Government Liability:

The ferry dock and operations may be under the control of a government agency. If the ferry was operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (or a similar state agency), the state government could be partially liable.

In cases involving public transportation, sovereign immunity typically shields government entities from liability. However, exceptions can occur if negligence is proven. If the ferry dock was poorly maintained or safety standards were not followed, there could be grounds for lawsuits against the government.

An investigation into the maintenance and condition of the dock, as well as ferry operations, would be crucial in determining if the state was negligent.

Operator/Employee Negligence:

If the accident was caused by operator error, the ferry operator or the captain could face liability. This could be due to negligent actions like failing to follow safety procedures, mishandling the docking process, or even improper communication with passengers.

If ferry operators are private contractors, their company could be held liable for the actions of their employees under vicarious liability.

What Georgia Laws Are in Place to Protect the Victims’ Rights?

Premises Liability:

Premises liability laws hold the owner or operator of a property responsible for ensuring that the property is safe for visitors. If the ferry dock was unsafe or improperly maintained—such as damaged walkways, faulty ramps, or inadequate safety measures—those responsible for maintaining the property could be held liable.

Evidence such as inspection reports and maintenance logs would be critical to assess whether there was foreseeable danger that could have been prevented.

Product Liability:

If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure or defect in the ferry or dock infrastructure, manufacturers or suppliers of faulty equipment may also face product liability claims. If it is proven that a defect in design, manufacturing, or inadequate warnings contributed to the accident, the companies responsible for supplying the defective components could be sued.

Maritime Law:

Since the ferry and dock are involved in maritime transportation, admiralty law (a specialized area of law governing nautical issues) could play a role. Under maritime law, both the vessel owner and operator are held to a high standard of care for passengers’ safety. If they failed to meet these standards, they could be found liable for the accident.

In the aftermath of this devastating ferry dock collapse on Sapelo Island, the road to justice for the victims and their families is just beginning. As investigations continue, it’s crucial for those affected to understand their legal rights and the potential avenues for seeking compensation. Whether it’s government liability, product defects, or negligence by operators, holding the responsible parties accountable is essential.

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