Every year, an untold number of passengers leave their cruise ships with serious injuries, often caused by the negligence of the cruise line or tour operators. If you or a loved one suffered broken bones while on an excursion or during a cruise, seek help from an experienced cruise ship injury lawyer immediately.
A cruise ship injury lawyer will review your case and determine if the tour operator or the cruise line is liable for your injuries. They can then pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering on your behalf.
At Louis A. Vucci P.A., we have helped many cruise ship accident victims like you, including many who suffered broken bones. Don’t wait to get the lep you deserve. Contact Louis A. Vucci P.A. at (866) 404-3415 for a free legal consultation.
Liability for Cruise Ship Accident Cases
Liability for cruise injuries is governed by maritime or admiralty law. Under general maritime law, cruise lines are responsible for maintaining passenger safety and a safe working environment for crew members. When cruise ship injury cases occur, cruise lines may be liable for compensation for things like medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Due to things like passenger ticket contracts and complex legal frameworks, maritime claims can be very complicated. Injured cruise ship passengers and crew who suffer broken bones should get help from a cruise ship attorney to ensure their rights to full and fair compensation are protected.
Causes of Broken Bones Aboard Cruise Ships
While most people will go on cruise vacations without suffering any major injuries, these accidents do happen, and it’s important to be aware of the dangers of cruise vessels before heading out on a cruise:
Slip and Falls – Slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of incidents reported on cruise ships. Cruise ship decks can be slick, and ramps can be treacherous. Fall injuries can be severe and may include broken bones.
Medical Negligence– While it may be unlikely for medical staff aboard a cruise ship to wrongfully break a patient’s bone, what’s much more common is mistreated fractures. This type of medical negligence can lead to severe complications.
Assault – Assault and sexual assault are both real dangers on cruise ships, and these types of offenses can easily cause broken bones. If you suffered an assault or sexual assault on a cruise, get help from a capable legal team.
Falling Overboard– Falling overboard can lead to serious injuries if the victim strikes parts of the ship while falling. A lawyer can help you file suit for overboard broken bone injuries.
No matter what caused your broken bone injuries, you should get help from a cruise injury law firm to ensure your claim is protected. Large cruise lines have high-powered legal teams on their side to fight your case, but our cruise accident attorneys can help you fight back.
Types of Cruise Ship Excursions and Potential Dangers
Cruise ship excursions often involve physical activities that increase the risk of an accident causing broken bones. When people book an excursion through a cruise line, they reasonably expect the cruise line to partner with competent third-party companies, provide adequate security and transportation, and take other reasonable precautions to keep them safe. Too often, though, innocent people find themselves contending with reckless drivers and operators, inadequately maintained vehicles and equipment, and inherently dangerous tour sites. Many of these safety threats arise from a cruise line’s failure to warn of risks, maintain equipment, or train staff adequately. These dangers could have catastrophic consequences and irreparably harm cruise travelers.
Before going on any cruise ship excursion, passengers should familiarize themselves with the potential risks and take the proper precautions. Common types of cruise ship excursions that may pose a risk for broken bones include:
Bus tours – Bus tours allow tourists to explore a new city or scenic destination, but they can also be dangerous. Injuries may occur due to improperly maintained buses or reckless driving.
Parasailing – High winds and other weather conditions might cause a parasail to veer off course, while inadequately maintained equipment presents a crash risk.
Jet skiing – Jet skiing is quite dangerous if the rider isn’t given the proper training or adequate safety guidelines. Always wear a life vest when jet skiing and avoid shallow waters and other hazards.
Banana boat tours – Banana boat tours offer a fun way to explore the ocean, but they can be dangerous in the wrong hands. An inexperienced operator might hit rocks or other obstacles in the water, while boats are also at risk of capsizing or sinking in high winds or choppy waters.
Snorkeling and scuba diving – Scuba diving or snorkeling excursions should only be led by trained divers. Guests should respect warnings from their tour guide and be mindful of ocean currents and hazards like coral reefs, jellyfish, and other creatures.
Zip lining – Zip-line riders may suffer broken bones if their harness is worn out, they do not receive proper instruction, or the line breaks.
Anyone taking part in a cruise ship excursion faces the risk of an injury, but older passengers and those with physical limitations are at an even greater risk. Children are also at risk of broken bones on excursions, so parents must pay close attention to their children during these activities.
Cruise ship passengers should understand the risks associated with each type of excursion before participating in any activity. Wearing protective gear and following all safety procedures helps reduce the risk of suffering broken bones during any cruise ship excursion.
How to Avoid Getting Hurt in a Cruise Ship Accident
Before taking a cruise vacation, you should consider the possible risks. Most are safe and enjoyable, and taking precautions can minimize your risk of a broken bone injury. Here are a few tips on how to stay safe on your next cruise and excursion:
Follow the rules – Before you begin your cruise or excursion, read any safety rules and regulations and follow them closely. Pay special attention to any age or size limits on certain activities, and avoid attempting activities not recommended for your age or fitness level.
Stay aware of your surroundings – Pay attention to your environment and potential hazards. For instance, if you’re going on a boat ride, be mindful of where you’re stepping and any potential hazards, such as slippery surfaces or strong currents.
Wear protective gear – Always wear protective gear when engaging in potentially dangerous activities, including helmets, life jackets, or other items that help protect you in case of an accident.
Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water during your vacation to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion. This is especially important when participating in strenuous activities.
Wear appropriate clothing – Make sure you wear appropriate clothes for the activity you’re participating in. For example, wear sturdy shoes and clothing that won’t impede your movement if you’re hiking.
Even if you do everything right, accidents can still happen due to negligence and wrongdoing. From major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises to smaller fleets, carriers in the cruise industry are responsible for keeping passengers and crew safe. If you’ve suffered a broken bone due to cruise line negligence, our cruise ship lawyers can help.
What to Do If You Are Injured on a Cruise
Unfortunately, no amount of preparation and precaution can eliminate the risk of a broken bone while on a cruise. Take these steps if you or someone in your party suffers an injury:
Immediately seek medical attention if necessary – If you believe the injury involves a fracture, do not wait to seek medical attention. These injuries are serious and require immediate attention.
Report the accident – You should report the accident to the tour operator or the cruise ship personnel. Provide detailed information about the accident and your injuries so they have a clear understanding of what happened. In addition, keep copies of any reports or statements that you provide them.
Document everything – Make sure you document everything related to your injury. Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and anything else that may be relevant. This helps create a clearer picture of what happened and serves as evidence for your claim.
Speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer – Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling cruise ship injury claims. A lawyer will advise you on your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Types of Broken Bones
Bone fractures come in many different types, each requiring a specific treatment plan. Some of the most common include the following:
Simple fractures – A simple fracture is one that does not penetrate the skin.
Open fractures – Open fractures occur when the bone penetrates through the skin. This type of fracture requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of infection.
Incomplete fractures – Incomplete fractures involve breaks that occur along the length of the bone but don’t extend all the way through it.
Complete fractures – Complete fractures extend all the way through the bone, from one side to the other, effectively breaking the bone into two pieces.
Hairline fractures – Hairline fractures are very small cracks in the bone.
Displaced fractures – Displaced fractures involve broken pieces of bone out of their normal alignment.
Comminuted fracture – A comminuted fracture occurs when the bone breaks into more than two pieces. These types of fractures often require surgery to repair.
What Is the Average Cost of Treating Broken Bone Injuries?
Treating a broken bone can be costly. Surgeries, diagnostic tests, medical prescriptions, ambulance rides, physical therapy, hospital stays, and follow-up appointments can add up. These costs are often exacerbated by lost wages from being unable to work during recovery.
How a Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one has suffered a broken bone injury on a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced cruise ship injury lawyer can help you pursue the full and fair amount you deserve.
Here are some of the ways a cruise ship injury lawyer can help:
Investigating the accident – A cruise ship injury lawyer investigates the circumstances of your accident and any injuries that resulted. They will review relevant documents, interview witnesses, and assess the property and liability issues associated with your accident. Your lawyer then uses this information to build a strong case on your behalf.
Negotiating with cruise lines – Cruise lines want to avoid paying out damages to injured passengers. An experienced lawyer negotiates with the cruise line and its insurers on your behalf toward a fair settlement for your injury.
Representing you in court – If negotiations with the cruise line fail, your lawyer will take your case to court and represent you in court proceedings, present evidence on your behalf, and argue for your right to compensation.
Keeping you informed – Throughout the entire process, your cruise ship injury lawyer will keep you up to date on the status of your case. They will also explain any legal options available to you and answer any questions you have about your case.
Speak With a Cruise Ship Excursion Injury Lawyer
If you suffered a broken bone while on a cruise, you could be entitled to compensation. At Louis A. Vucci P.A., our attorneys represent clients injured due to negligence while on cruises and fight for accountability on their behalf. Call us today at (866) 404-3415 for a free consultation with a cruise ship lawyer and learn more about how we can help.
Request a Free Consultation
Types of Claim
There are many things for which a passenger may make a claim, some of which include:
Firstly, I want to say a massive thank you to everybody at the Vucci Office! In particular - Karl, Millie and Raul . I was visiting from England and they couldn’t have made me feel more welcome; They worked perfectly as a team to make me feel assured and made a hard time much easier.
Louis Vucci was recommended to me by a friend from my previous career and after using him, I can safely say I have no regrets.Louis was consistently honest with me which I greatly appreciated. He spent an endless amount of time on my case and his passion was so genuine - I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I couldn’t recommend them anymore.
Once again, thank you!
Albert L.
I was injured on a cruise ship – I slipped and fell and injured my shoulder. I was not sure about the process and needed help. I had no idea about the difficulty in dealing with a cruise line. My attorney, Louis Vucci, handled my claim from beginning to end and guided me throughout. He and his staff were courteous and attentive and obtained a great result on my behalf.
Betty A.
I had to have hip repair surgery because of a slip and fall on a cruise ship. Louis was very kind and professional. This was my first experience working with an attorney. He never tired of all my questions and answered truthfully and respectfully. He honestly understood my concerns and addressed every single one. I could not have asked for a better attorney. He and those in his office were wonderful. He settled my case in a timely manner and I was very happy with the outcome.
Andrew Somer
I worked with Louis and The Vucci Law Group from an incident I had aboard a cruise ship. Louis was very candid, honest and sympathetic to my situation. He was thorough and worked on my behalf with the cruise line, insurance and medical companies. He kept me fully updated and informed every step of the way. He made this very challenging time a little easier to handle. Highly recommended.
Denise Grosdanof
My son broke his arm while participating in the onboard child care program. I approached other lawyers who turned down my case. I was about to give up and I decided to try one last time. I found Louis and I could not be happier that I did. Not only did he sympathize with my case he was well versed on legal responsibility the ship has to ensure safety of children while in their care. He responds to inquiries and emails immediately and takes you through the steps to file a claim. We were extremely happy with the outcome! I highly recommend working with Louis, he is knowledgeable friendly and easy to approach. The whole process was painless.
K. K.
I broke my C4 vertebrae after suffering a fall on a Flow Rider excursion sold by Carnival Cruise Line. I was very fortunate to have Louis Vucci represent me in my personal injury lawsuit. Louis was extremely professional, knowledgeable and tenacious. He did an excellent job of asserting my claim against all responsible parties (including the Flow Rider operator in Grand Turk), anticipating and addressing their defenses, and securing a very favorable settlement. Along the way, Louis always kept me informed about the status of my case and minimized any inconvenience to me, which I very much appreciate since I live in New Jersey. Thank you Louis for your good counsel and determination to obtain a fair and just resolution.
Ryan Bockiaro
Louis is down-to-earth and will go out of his way to help you
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury during a cruise, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Not only can getting hurt ruin your vacation, but the costs of an injury can put you in serious financial distress. You may be facing high medical bills, time lost working, physical suffering, emotional stress, and even serious lifestyle changes.
