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Whether you’re setting out on a massive Royal Caribbean ship or a smaller vessel with a less popular line, no matter what kind of cruise you’re on, accidents and injuries can happen when you least expect them. From slips, trips, and falls to physical assault, many types of incidents can lead to cruise injuries.
Cruise passengers should be aware of the most common injuries suffered on board cruise ships so they can take proper precautions. Keep reading to learn more about common cruise injuries and what causes them.
While most medical situations on cruise ships are related to natural medical emergencies such as cardiac events, accidents are also a major contributor. Cruise accidents can lead to many kinds of harm. Some injuries are minor, while others may be serious or even life-changing. Some of these common crew and passenger injuries include:
Many of those who suffer injuries on cruises, particularly cardiac events and fractures such as broken hips, are elderly adults. It’s important for all cruise passengers to be aware of the dangers they may be exposed to on board a cruise ship.
Cruise ship accidents happen due to a wide range of reasons, and these incidents often catch passengers off guard. Below are some of the most common accidents that take place on cruise liners:
Cruise ships must have trained doctors and nurses onboard to attend to passengers’ needs, though medical facilities can be limited. Medical malpractice can occur when healthcare providers make mistakes, such as providing improper care or the wrong medication. Cruise lines are also responsible for properly vetting and training medical personnel.
Nearly half of all accidents in cruise ship injury claims are related to slip and falls. Slippery floors, wet decks, sudden ship movement, and poor lighting often cause slip and fall accidents on cruise ships. If there are no signs or safety rails, people can fall and get hurt. Cruise ship companies are expected to keep their ships safe, and not doing so may lead to a cruise ship injury lawsuit.
Overboard accidents are rare but very serious. A person may fall into the ocean if the railings are too low or missing. In many cases, other passengers or cruise ship staff members may not notice fast enough to engage in a successful rescue.
Some cruise lines require passengers to spend time only on the line’s pre-planned tours when going ashore, but these shore excursions can still be dangerous. Poor planning, reckless driving, or hazardous conditions can lead to accidents.
When crew members and passengers board cruise ships, they should be able to rely on a reasonable level of security, including everything from security cameras and proper lighting to security guards and lifeguards. When cruise lines are negligent, violent crimes and drowning accidents are a real risk.
Sometimes, crew members may act carelessly or even hurt other passengers. This could include ignoring safety rules or acting in a harmful way.
Under a network of federal and international regulations known as maritime law, cruise lines are responsible for passenger and crew safety. If you are injured on a cruise, there are steps you should take to protect your rights to financial compensation under maritime law.
Injured passengers and crew should seek immediate medical attention after a cruise ship injury. You should report your injury as soon as possible and request a copy of the written report. Document the injury and any hazards at the accident scene, and get contact information for witness statements. Avoid signing any waivers or giving any recorded statements without first getting help from a lawyer.
With capable legal assistance, you may be able to file a maritime personal injury claim for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, permanent disability, and wrongful death coverage for things like funeral expenses and burial costs.
Keep in mind that your legal options for recovering damages will usually be severely limited by your passenger ticket contract. These contracts typically include strict time limits and forum selection clauses. You may have only one year in which to file a claim, and you may only be able to file in a single court.
From major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line to smaller fleets, all cruise companies owe passengers and crew a duty of care. When cruise carriers fail to uphold that duty, and injuries are suffered as a result, an experienced attorney can help you seek fair compensation through legal action.
Whether you suffered a fall due to a tripping hazard or you were injured by ship medical staff, our team is ready to help you defend your legal rights. Louis A. Vucci P.A. is proud to help ensure cruise lines are held liable for wrongdoing and negligence, and we won’t rest until you recover the settlement you deserve.
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There are many things for which a passenger may make a claim, some of which include: