Our Florida accident lawyers at Cowen Edwards are here to assist you after you have been injured on a cruise ship. Even though you expect that you will be kept safe from harm on a cruise ship, an accident can happen at any given moment. After you have been involved in a cruise ship accident, there are some things that you should know regarding your legal situation. Contact us for a free and confidential case consultation.
What Types of Injuries Are Prevalent on Cruise Ships?
There are many popular cruise lines in Florida, from Florida Norwegian to Royal Caribbean. When you choose these cruise lines, you expect that you will be spending a fun and adventurous time with your family – and one that keeps you safe. However, there are many cases where a serious collision occurs on a cruise ship in Florida. Here are some common hazards that lead to these accidents:
- Slip-and-falls due to slippery surfaces on the ship’s deck
- Insufficient lighting and other unsafe conditions
- Poorly designed on-ship architecture
- Lack of lifeguard staff or security
- Poorly maintained handrails or elevators
- Crew misconduct
- Improper sanitation techniques
- Drowning-related hazards
Cruise ships have medical facilities on board that sometimes resemble what you see in a doctor’s office or urgent care facility. This helps medical professionals take care of injured individuals on board the ship until they can be brought ashore to a hospital. Getting injured in a cruise ship accident can mean thousands of dollars in care, which is why it is important for a victim to understand their rights.
Is the Cruise Ship Liable for My Accident?
Cruise lines have a responsibility to keep all guests safe from harm and prevent accidents and hazards at any cost. This means keeping passengers safe from adverse conditions, maintaining the vessel properly, and providing medical care when it is needed. In Florida, it is crucial that you act quickly to file your claim, as you may only have a year from the time that you are injured. Determining negligence is incredibly important so that you can determine who you can name in your claim.
Even if your accident takes place in international waters, you can still have a legitimate injury claim depending on the circumstances. Aside from the cruise line itself, there could be various other parties liable for one of these accidents, from manufacturers of ship parts to staff. It is important that you speak with an attorney soon after your accident for the help you need to get back on your feet. You may be eligible for some of the following damages in your case:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Cost of long-term therapy for your injuries
- Lost wages and future lost income due to missed time at work
- Permanent disability damages
- Pain and suffering damages
What Should You Do After Your Florida Cruise Ship Accident?
After you have been injured in a cruise ship accident in Florida, it is important that you take certain steps to preserve your legal rights and protect your health. Here are a few tips that you can follow if you or your loved one are injured in an accident on a ship:
- Seek Medical Attention: You may hesitate to receive medical care when you are on a cruise ship but, the truth is, it is important to receive treatment in the ship infirmary as soon as possible. You never know how severe your injuries are, which is why you should never delay treatment.
- Receive Documentation: You can request copies of your medical records and any other forms that were collected after you sustained injuries on a cruise ship. These records can be incredibly beneficial to you down the line as you move forward with your claim.
- Report the Accident: It is important that you report your accident to personnel or management as soon as possible after you have been injured. There are U.S. Coast Guard regulations in place that require forms to be submitted if medical treatment is given beyond just the standard first aid.
- Speak with Witnesses: Speaking with witnesses after your accident can help you as you move forward with a claim. If there were individuals who witnessed the accident, you can keep their contact information on file, which can be useful when calling them forth in the future.
- Preserve Photos and Videos: Photographs and videos of the accident scene and any injuries are some of the best evidence that you can use in a claim.
Contact Cowen Edwards to Help You After a Cruise Ship Accident
If you have suffered injuries in an accident on a cruise ship, it is important that you are aware of your legal options. Our Florida cruise accident lawyers at Cowen Edwards can help you along the way after you have been hurt in one of these serious and traumatic accidents. We will start by investigating the circumstances of your accident and guide you through the difficult and sometimes-complicated legal process so that you can stand on your own two feet. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free legal consultation so that you can explore all of your options.
