Cowen Edwards represents injury victims in Florida, including those hurt on a Cunard cruise ship. Our experienced Florida cruise ship accident lawyers can explain your rights and help you through the claims process. To learn more, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Do You Need Our Lawyers?
A cruise ship is designed for fun and relaxation, so when you step onboard one, you probably don’t expect to end up with an injury. Unfortunately, whether you’re on a Cunard cruise or any other type of voyage, this is exactly what can happen. Hopefully, the accident and your injuries are only minor in nature, and won’t require legal action.
However, given that many of the activities and other hazards on a Cunard cruise can be pretty serious, it can only help to have our team on your side. There’s no requirement that says you need a lawyer for a Florida injury claim, but we can make things easier by:
- Thoroughly examining your accident and seeing who’s responsible.
- Researching past similar incidents.
- Speaking with witnesses.
- Reviewing the ship’s policies.
Our aim is to simplify the legal process for you, allowing you to concentrate on recovery. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. Every case is different, but with our experience and resources, you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.
Legal Process After a Cunard Cruise Accident
Most likely, Cunard has several measures in place to keep you and other passengers safe while on board, whether it be frequent safety instructions, security measures, and equipment like life jackets. Still, given the nature of the open sea and shore excursions, accidents can still happen.
Like any other accident situation in Florida that comes from negligence, this gives you legal options. Most of the time, this means the ability to file either an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover certain damages.
Both options have fairly similar processes, with the main difference being that the insurance claim is out of court, and as a result is much less formal. It gives you quicker access to a settlement, but often doesn’t cover your injuries and other damages. A lawsuit, while more formal and requiring more time and effort, allows you a better chance at recovering things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life or companionship
- Repair/replacement costs for your personal property
- Wrongful death expenses (if the injuries are fatal)
A key part of your cruise accident claim is meeting Florida’s statute of limitations. You have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. Every case progresses differently based on its circumstances, so it’s important to understand how your accident happened–and who is responsible.
Who Pays For Your Damages After a Cruise Accident?
While a Cunard cruise promises a unique adventure in exotic locales, they are legally obligated to prioritize passenger safety, much like any other business. Moreover, as a “common carrier,” they have a heightened responsibility for ensuring your safety and well-being.
Legally, this responsibility, or lack thereof, is termed “liability.” When Cunard or others fail to uphold this duty and you’re injured as a result, it’s termed “negligence.”
Various actions or oversights by crew members or the company could lead to liability for your injuries and damages:
- Neglecting reasonable safety standards
- Inadequate maintenance of the ship or equipment
- Insufficient security measures
- Failure to warn of potential hazards
- Inadequate training for staff to handle incidents properly
Any of these actions would mean that Cunard and the ship’s crew and leadership would bear responsibility for paying for your damages, but a number of other parties could share in this responsibility, like:
- Other passengers
- Equipment or product manufacturers
- Food handlers or staff
- Businesses on shore
- Port authorities or local governments
- Security personnel
Determining Cunard’s liability for injuries depends on the circumstances of each case. Identifying who is at fault can be complex, requiring consideration of maritime and Florida state laws, waivers, and the actions of all involved parties. That’s where our team can step in and untangle things. At the same time, though, there’s a few things you need to do to bolster any injury claim you might have.
Steps to Take After a Cunard Cruise Accident
Many people choose Cunard cruises for relaxation and a variety of onboard activities like entertainment, dining, and shows. However, these activities, combined with other factors, can sometimes lead to accidents and injuries. Common incidents on a Cunard cruise include:
- Rough seas – Unpredictable weather may lead to balance issues and injuries.
- Wet decks – Wet decks can cause slips and falls, especially near pools and dining areas.
- Activities – Recreational activities and excursions may pose risks if not supervised well.
- Crew mistakes – Errors in maintenance or safety procedures by the crew can lead to accidents.
- Safety lapses – Lack of proper safety measures like signage and handrails can contribute to accidents.
- Mechanical issues – Rare instances of equipment malfunctions may cause accidents.
- Fire and electrical hazards – Improper management of fires and electrical systems can be dangerous.
- Illness from food – Poor food handling can result in outbreaks of illnesses.
- Alcohol-related incidents – Excessive drinking can lead to accidents and altercations.
- Security issues – Inadequate security measures may lead to theft or safety incidents.
What to do
While these incidents are very unfortunate, it doesn’t mean that you should be passive. In fact, there’s a few things you need to do to not only protect your health, but your potential damages. Further, this is necessary for making a strong claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Report the accident – Find a crew member or someone in charge and tell them what happened. They should make an incident report, and ask for a copy. This should also prompt them to fix the problem.
- Get medical attention – Ask for medical attention on site, like the ship’s medical center. Whenever there’s more serious injuries, you should get further care at a hospital or doctor’s office.
- Document the scene – Take pictures or videos of where the accident happened. Make sure to note the date, time, and exactly where it occurred. This helps keep track of what happened.
- Preserve evidence – Keep anything related to the accident, like broken things or damaged items. Also, get contact information from anyone who saw what happened.
- Follow your treatment plan – If you get hurt, make sure to follow what the doctors tell you to do. This means going to appointments and taking medicine if they prescribe any. Keep track of all your doctor’s visits and bills.
By doing these things, you can make sure you’re taking the right steps after a cruise accident to get the help and support you need.
Contact Cowen Edwards After a Florida Cruise Accident
Any injury situation is bound to have an impact on your life, but a cruise accident can be among the most damaging. Not only do you have to worry about water-based injuries, but also things onboard the ship itself. At Cowen Edwards, you don’t have to face these injuries by yourself. Speak with our Florida cruise accident lawyers to get a better idea of what you need to do to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
