23.01.2012

COSTA CONCORDIA DISASTER

Giambrone Law ILP has been contacted and instructed by a number of people who have been affected by tragic events on board the Costa Concordia cruise ship. The Costa Concordia ran aground on 13th January, 2012 off the Tuscan coast near the Italian island of Giglio. It is alleged that the incident was caused by the ship sailing too close to the shore. So far 14 passengers have been killed in the incident and 17 passengers and crew are still unaccounted for.

Avv Alessandro Gravante, Head of Litigation at Giambrone Law ILP is heading up a team of specialist lawyers in order to deal with passengers who were injured during the vessel's demise, as well as family members who have suffered psychological stress as a direct consequence of the disaster.

Reports of various findings with regard to the Captain of the ship have also been discovered. These appear to show that the Captain of the ship has previously sailed very close to the shore of Giglio and has done so on more than one previous occasion. One Italian newspaper actually praised him for such actions in August 2011.

As has now been well documented in various newspapers, it seems the Captain may face negligence claims on a multitude of categories. In the now infamous recording of the Captain being instructed back onto the ship, it seems apparent that the captain not only dismissed his professional duties and responsibilities towards his crew and passengers on board the ship, but, instead, he deserted all of his passengers and duties.

With Giambrone Law having not only a strong presence in Italy, but also worldwide, the team of lawyers the Head of litigation has put together to assist those affected by this tragedy are perfectly placed to assist potential claimants with regard to all possible claims.

Alessandro Gravante has commented: "Giambrone Law has been liaising with the insurers of the Costa Concordia and we hope to enter into early settlement negotiations. Naturally, if such negotiations prove unsuccessful, we will be starting legal action."