“The whole process from start to finish was really good, I had a small team that knew my case.”
Jake’s Story
Jake and a friend were anchored in a boat, fishing, when a large trawler sailed straight into them, ramming the back of their boat and causing them both to fall to the deck. Jake sustained lower back and shoulder injuries and has since had to deal with the psychological distress of experiencing such a terrifying incident.
He sought legal help from Express, where marine specialist Craig Phillips, Principal Partner took on the case.
“When I first saw the video, to say it was a near-death experience would be an understatement. When you are unfortunate enough to have an accident onboard a vessel at sea, a completely different set of legal rules applies to the case.”
Using his expertise and overcoming a defendant who claimed the injuries were not as significant as the medical evidence suggested, Craig was able to reach a settlement with the other party.
“Express managed to get compensation and settle the claim. It was a huge relief because it was a complex case and meant we could move on with our lives.”
Watch Jake’s story:
Why Choose Express?
No win no fee
We cover all legal costs, never charge upfront fees, and we only get paid if you do.
Unlimited legal advice
Get unlimited, no-obligation support. We'll explain your rights—no cost, no pressure.
Max Compensation
In 99% of cases, we recovered more compensation than the insurer’s first offer.
Experts in Tough Cases
Let us handle your case. Our specialists can step in anytime—even on cases others reject.
No win no fee
We cover all legal costs, never charge upfront fees, and we only get paid if you do.
No win no fee
We cover all legal costs, never charge upfront fees, and we only get paid if you do.
Unlimited legal advice
Get unlimited, no-obligation support. We'll explain your rights—no cost, no pressure.
Max Compensation
In 99% of cases, we recovered more compensation than the insurer’s first offer.
Experts in Tough Cases
Let us handle your case. Our specialists can step in anytime—even on cases others reject.
What happened?
Jake and his friend were fishing from a 17‑foot boat, anchored at sea during the winter.
Without warning, a large trawler sailed directly into the back of their vessel, causing a violent impact.
The collision threw both men onto the deck, creating a dangerous and frightening situation.
The incident was captured on video, which later proved crucial in supporting his claim.
What was the impact on his life?
Jake sustained a range of injuries as a result of the collision, including:
- Lower back injuries
- Shoulder injury
- Psychological trauma following the incident
Beyond the physical injuries, the psychological impact was significant.
The collision was described as a near‑death experience, leaving Jake dealing with ongoing distress and anxiety.
The injuries also affected his daily life and hobbies:
- He was a keen gym-goer and fisherman, both of which were disrupted
- His confidence and wellbeing were impacted following the incident
What our clients say
How did we help?
Jake instructed Express Solicitors, where his case was handled by Craig Phillips, Principal Partner and marine law specialist.
Maritime accidents involve a completely different set of legal rules, which adds complexity to these types of claims.
Our approach included:
- Applying specialist maritime law expertise
- Using video evidence to strengthen the case
- Challenging the defendant’s position that the injuries were not serious
- Engaging in detailed negotiations to counter disputed liability
The defendant consistently argued that Jake’s injuries were less severe than evidenced, requiring persistent legal pressure to move the case forward.
What was the outcome?
Despite the challenges, we successfully secured a compensation settlement for Jake.
The outcome included:
- Compensation for his physical injuries
- Support for psychological treatment
- Financial recognition of the trauma he experienced
Jake described the result as a huge relief, allowing him to move forward after a complex and stressful process.
“Express managed to get compensation and settle the claim… it meant we could move on with our lives.”
You’ll claim more with us.
We have recovered an additional £21.2m more in compensation for clients who switched to us from their previous firm.
Contact us now to discover the real value of your claim.
Key moments from Jake’s story
- 0:00–0:20 — Fishing at sea and the collision
- 0:20–0:35 — Impact and immediate injuries
- 0:35–1:00 — Physical and psychological effects
- 1:00–1:30 — Complexity of maritime law
- 1:30–2:30 — Legal challenges and disputed injuries
- 2:30–end — Settlement and recovery
Speak to our team
If you’ve been injured in a maritime or boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation – even if the case is complex or involves specialist legal rules.
Our expert solicitors handle claims on a no win, no fee basis, ensuring you can access legal support without financial risk.
Contact us today for free, no‑obligation advice.
