Tender Accident Lawyers
Were you or a loved one hurt in a cruise ship accident involving a tender, the small vessels that transport passengers between the ship and shore? If so, you could be entitled to compensation – although getting the cruise line to pay up could prove challenging without the help of an experienced cruise ship attorney. At Louis A. Vucci P.A., we know how to hold cruise lines and third parties liable for their negligence. We understand how devastating an injury on vacation can be, and we are dedicated to helping you get the justice you deserve.
Want to learn more about your options for pursuing justice and accountability? Then contact us today at (786) 375-0344 and speak with a tender accident lawyer for free.
What are Tender Accidents?
Tenders are small boats that transport passengers from the cruise ship to the shore and back again, particularly in areas where there is not a port large enough for the ship to dock. They are often used to ferry passengers to recreational excursions. Tenders can be involved in accidents when onboard equipment fails, operators make mistakes, passengers engage in horseplay or fights, or when the weather turns bad. Victims of tender accidents often suffer from painful injuries and face expensive medical bills, lost wages from time missed at work, and other losses.
What Causes Cruise Excursion Tender Accidents?
Tender accidents are a significant risk for those participating in cruise excursions, and they sometimes result in serious injury or death. Some of the most common causes of tender accidents include:
- Incorrect loading procedures – If crew members load the tender unevenly, it could cause the vessel to become unstable and hard to operate.
- Capsizing – In extreme cases, an unevenly loaded tender could even capsize. Cruise lines must ensure crew or contractors never overload a tender beyond capacity and that they operate the vessels safely in all weather conditions.
- Weather conditions – Strong wind, rain, and waves make navigating a tender difficult, potentially leading to an accident. The cruise line or tender company should assess conditions before boarding passengers on a tender.
- Excessive speed/aggressive piloting – The operator of the tender must maintain a safe speed and follow proper safety protocols. Failure to do so could lead to an accident. Reckless piloting may cause a collision between a tender and another vessel or object.
- Poor communication – Tender pilots must maintain communication with passengers, the cruise ship, and other vessels on the water. A communication breakdown could lead to an accident. Cruise lines should ensure clear instructions are given before boarding, during transit, and when disembarking.
- Slip and fall accidents – Passengers often slip or trip while getting on or off the tender or when water spray causes surfaces to become slippery. Poorly maintained tenders and wet decks can contribute to this type of accident.
- Operator error – Inexperienced tender operators sometimes make mistakes leading to accidents. Cruise lines must ensure only skilled, experienced crew members operate their tenders.
- Defective tenders – Faulty or poorly maintained tenders may have mechanical issues contributing to an accident.
Cruise lines must ensure the safety of their passengers. When they fail in this obligation and cause passengers to be hurt, those passengers can hold them liable through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
How Can I Prevent a Cruise Excursion Tender Accident?
If you’re planning a cruise ship vacation involving shore excursions, it’s essential to understand the risks associated with tenders and what you can do to avoid accidents while on them. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while aboard these small, often crowded vessels:
- Follow instructions – Pay attention to the crew’s instructions and follow them carefully. This includes instructions on boarding and disembarking the tender, storing your belongings, and any other safety advice the crew may provide.
- Wear life jackets if instructed to do so – While life jackets are not always necessary on tenders, wear one if you’re instructed to by crew members.
- Keep an eye on young children – If you are traveling with young children, keep an eye on them at all times. Make sure they also understand the importance of following tender boat safety instructions.
- Avoid overcrowding – Do not board an overcrowded tender. Overcrowding increases the chances of someone falling off and getting injured and of the vessel swamping or capsizing.
- Stay alert – Never stand up or move around on a tender in motion, as this could increase your risk of slipping and falling. Remain seated at all times and pay attention to your surroundings.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption – Alcohol impairs your judgment, making it difficult to react quickly in case of an accident. If you plan on consuming alcohol during your excursion, drink responsibly.
- Speak up – If you have a question or notice a potential hazard, alert the crew immediately. An issue resolved now can prevent a more serious incident from occurring later.
Unfortunately, no amount of precaution can prevent accidents altogether, especially when cruise lines and their employees are careless, reckless, or otherwise negligent. In these cases, victims may be entitled to compensation for their harm.
Cruise Excursion Tender Accident Liability
The party responsible for causing a tender accident can be held liable for the harm that the accident results in. Whether the cruise line is the liable party depends on a number of factors, including the cruise line’s relationship with the tender and its crew.
If the cruise line owns and operates the tender boats, the cruise company is likely responsible for any injuries due to the boat operator’s negligence. However, cruise companies sometimes hire third-party companies to operate their smaller ships or rely on tenders operated by individual ports, so passengers may not know if the tender boat operator is an employee of the cruise line or an independent contractor. This makes knowing a company’s safety track record ahead of time nearly impossible.
In cases where a third party operates the tender boat, passengers may have a claim against the cruise company if it failed to properly vet the tender boat company before engaging its services. Alternatively, the passenger might have a claim against the tender company itself. An experienced cruise excursion injury lawyer can investigate the facts of a case and determine who might be liable for a victim’s injuries.
How a Cruise Excursion Injury Lawyer Can Help
Passengers injured in tender accidents may face expensive medical bills and long recovery periods. As such, the liable party should be held responsible for related costs. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Unfortunately, these cases involve lengthy and confusing legal procedures. Filing an injury claim involves a lot of paperwork, communication with insurance companies, and negotiation with others. In many cases, a qualified lawyer’s help is essential for achieving a favorable outcome.
A qualified cruise excursion injury lawyer can help you in many ways, such as:
- Investigating your case and gathering evidence
- Assessing any potential legal claims
- Representing you in court if necessary
- Working with insurance companies and other parties involved
- Negotiating a settlement agreement
- Helping you understand the legal process and your rights
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Tender Accident?
If you’re involved in a cruise excursion tender accident, you can take steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. These measures can help you obtain the justice you deserve and recover compensation for any damages incurred. If possible, you should:
- Seek medical attention – If you suffered an injury, seek medical attention immediately. Ask to be taken to a nearby hospital or clinic for treatment if needed. Keep records of all medical expenses and treatments received.
- Document the accident – Document the accident by taking photos or videos of the scene. You should also collect contact information from witnesses or others involved in the accident.
- Report the incident – Report the incident to the cruise line and make sure they fill out an accident report. Then, if necessary, contact the relevant authorities.
- Gather evidence – Keep all evidence related to the accident, including medical bills, damage estimates, and photographs of your injuries.
- Contact a lawyer – Finally, seek legal counsel from an experienced cruise excursion tender accident lawyer who can help protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Speak With a Cruise Excursion Tender Accident Lawyer
If you suffered injuries in an accident involving a cruise excursion tender, contact an experienced cruise ship excursion lawyer for help. At Louis A. Vucci P.A., our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of those injured on tenders and fighting for the compensation they deserve. We have extensive experience representing accident victims with stories like yours and aren’t afraid to go up against the big and powerful cruise lines to demand justice and accountability.
At Louis A. Vucci P.A., our cruise injury lawyers are passionate about protecting the rights of those injured in cruise excursion tender accidents. Contact us today at (786) 375-0344 for a free legal consultation with an experienced cruise excursion injury lawyer and find out what we can do for you.
ort passengers to land for on-shore excursions, many cruise lines use small boats called tenders. While these small boats are typically safe, many people have been injured while aboard a tender. The tender accident attorney Louis A. Vucci P.A., understands how frustrating injuries can be for cruise ship passengers, and we work to ensure that cruise lines are held accountable for the injuries they cause passengers.
Louis A. Vucci P.A. is experienced with helping those who have been injured on tenders seek the compensation they need from the cruise line that allowed this accident to happen. We know that you never intended for this accident to occur, and you were likely injured while spending much-needed vacation time with friends and family. You never expected to have to deal with the physical and financial toll that an accident can take on your life, and you should not have to bear the burden alone.
Louis A. Vucci P.A. has fought to protect passengers on cruise ships for years and has an excellent track record of securing the verdicts and settlements that injured people need following an accident. Our contingency-fee basis of operation earns our client’s trust; we don’t get paid unless you do. Our testimonials page shows the tip of the iceberg on what Louis A. Vucci P.A. is willing and capable of doing for you. If you or a loved one have been hurt in an accident on a cruise ship tender, you do not have to shoulder the burdens placed on you alone. Contact Louis A. Vucci P.A. by calling (786) 375-0344, filling out a contact form on our website, or chatting with us live today.
Why Do I Need a Tender Accident Lawyer?
Our tender accident attorneys have experience holding cruise lines accountable for the injuries they cause to their passengers while on cruise ship property. Cruise liners are responsible for the safety of their passengers on all cruise ship property, which includes tenders. Injuries while onboard a tender can be very serious and ruin a vacation, affecting life at home and work later. Serious accidents often have severe and lasting consequences and, in some cases, may result in partial or total disability or even death. Our experienced and seasoned attorneys have experience fighting on behalf of our clients to secure compensation for injuries they’ve faced while on board a tender. Compensation could help you or someone you know rebuild their life following a life-changing injury.
Why Choose Us?
Louis A. Vucci P.A. is a part of the community here in Florida. His work as a Public Defender in Miami-Dade County for five years has made him more connected with the people and issues in Florida and allowed him to gain valuable insight and experience with Miami Court Rooms. His experience and knowledge can be your tool to getting compensation for yourself or a loved one. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation with Louis A. Vucci P.A. and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Cruise Ship Tender Cases We Handle
Louis A. Vucci P.A. has extensive experience with personal injury claims, primarily focused on cruise liners. Our focus has allowed us to successfully help those who have incurred personal injuries from accidents on tenders. This includes:
- Slip and fall accidents: When passengers are exiting or boarding the tender, It’s vital that the tender be secure and comfortable to board, with a dry deck and no instability or movement of the boat. When the tender is not secure to board, accidents may occur.
- Capsizes: When the tender is handled recklessly or negligently, it could capsize, putting all occupants in danger.
- Excessive speeding / Aggressive driving: Negligent driving of a tender can result in injured passengers being thrown overboard or thrown against different parts of the boat that may cause injury. Passengers that reckless driving of a tender has hurt should seek representation to get compensation for undue damages caused by the cruise ship’s employees.
- Poor operation/lack of skilled crew members: Negligent operation and a lack of qualified crew members on board can lead to many mishaps, for which passengers are not and should not be responsible. For those hurt by poor tender operation, an experienced attorney can help you recoup your losses and cope with the injury better.
- Poor communication: Poor communication between the crew and passengers on a tender may result in a serious accident. It’s imperative that cruise lines keep a close eye on their passengers and ensure their safety every step of the way.
Cruise lines have a responsibility to protect their passengers at all times, and this includes when they are on a tender. If a passenger is hurt in an accident, the cruise ship should be held responsible for the cost of medical care as well as any pain, suffering, and mental anguish the victim suffers.
How We Can Help
If a passenger is injured while on a tender, they may face expensive medical bills and lengthy recovery periods. The liable cruise ship should always be held responsible for the related costs. If you have been injured in such an accident, our tender accident lawyers are prepared to fight for your legal rights and interests. In the wake of a serious injury accident on a cruise ship tender, it is natural to feel overwhelmed by the pressures that you are suddenly forced to face. Many questions will arise; “How will I pay all my medical bills?” “Will I be out from work for long?” “Will I be able to keep my job?” “Should I hire an attorney?”
As a cruise ship excursion injury victim, you may be entitled to compensation that will ease the financial pressure and stress that comes with severe personal injuries that were no fault of your own. This includes expenses such as medical bills for treatment and long-term care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. However, without an attorney, it’s rather unlikely you’ll get the full, fair compensation you deserve. In fact, people who hire an attorney are awarded approximately three times more than those who choose to represent themselves or settle on their own. Legal procedures are daunting with a lot of paperwork, communication with insurance companies, other negotiation with others who are looking out for their own best interest. Louis A. Vucci P.A. is willing to bet on himself and on your case and do not charge for our services unless he wins.
Those injured in tender boat accidents while on a cruise may be eligible for compensation to help offset expenses related to the accident. Louis A. Vucci P.A. understands that the road to recovery can be particularly long for tender accident victims, and we work to help them through the legal process of pursuing the compensation that they need. Call (786) 375-0344 to speak with a tender accidents lawyer today.
Contact Us
For more than 15 years, Louis A. Vucci P.A. has worked hard to protect passengers on cruise ships from reckless or negligent actions on the part of the cruise line. If a cruise line fails to provide a safe environment or if they fail to hire and train a responsible staff properly, injuries are likely to occur. If you or someone you love has been hurt on a cruise ship tender, you should not have to pay for the consequences of the cruise line’s negligence. By hiring Louis A. Vucci P.A., you may be able to secure the compensation and obtain the justice you deserve following a serious accident.
If you or someone you love has been harmed on a cruise ship tender, contact us as soon as possible. Chat with us, fill out our free case review form, or call to receive your free consultation to learn more about your legal options. The sooner you hire an experienced lawyer to represent you, the greater your chances are of securing the compensation you are owed, so contact us today.