We have unparalleled experience in the sector, having been legal advisors to the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) in respect of offshore work for more than 25 years.

Bridge McFarland were involved in legal proceedings surrounding the Piper Alpha disaster, and the firm’s founding Partner, John Bridge, was involved in the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster.

We have a deep understanding of issues involving divers, having worked closely with the MAIB, MCA and Health and Safety Executive for many years.

We understand issues relating to divers, divers’ working patterns and offshore careers. We have advised and assisted divers in taxation appeals before Her Majesty’s Commissioners for Revenue & Customs.

We have been extensively involved in recovering many millions of pounds of damages for seriously injured sports recreational and commercial (civil and offshore, saturation and air) divers in UK territorial waters and all around the world.

Bridge McFarland have assisted divers and their families in recovering compensation following accidents including loss at sea (fatal injuries), the bends (decompression illness), spinal injuries, contact dermatitis and mechanical failure (including diving equipment, bells, bell doors, chambers and accidents onboard Dive Support Vessels).

We have a national and international network of experts, advisors and associate law firms such that they can assist divers in pursuing claims even when the accident occurred abroad and have done so in cases around the world.

We also work closely with leading experts in the field such as Dr John Bevan, author of the Professional Diver’s Handbook and editor of Underwater Contractor International magazine.

Work Accidents at Sea

Bridge McFarland have been involved in pursuing claims for damages for injured seafarers and their families for in excess of 30 years.

They are legal advisors to the Officers’ Union, Nautilus International.

Bridge McFarland have experience of cases in many different jurisdictions.  In the last few years alone and in addition to the many cases that we have brought before Courts in England, we have advised in cases which have had connections with, or involved proceedings in, Scotland, Norway, Denmark, Holland, India, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, United States of America, Australia and the Philippines.

We can advise on accidents at sea involving both Ratings and Officers and have recovered many millions of pounds in damages for injured seafarers.

Recognition

Bridge McFarland is recognised in the Chambers & Partners Guide to UK Law Firms as a “solid provincial practice” which has built a strong reputation and which has developed an international service.