Cowen Edwards helps people that have been injured on cruise ships in Fort Lauderdale. With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, many people in Fort Lauderdale opt for vacationing on a Balearia cruise ship. However, accidents on these cruise ships can happen, and if you or a loved one has been involved in one, it’s important to understand your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
Should You Get a Lawyer After a Cruise Accident?
A Balearia cruise ship might be designed for fun and relaxation, but there’s always the chance that you’ll be injured in an accident. What’s worse, there’s a wide variety of different accidents and injuries that you can experience. It’s obviously not a situation you want to be in, but it does give you legal options. The question then becomes, should you get a lawyer? The answer depends on the situation, but here’s how we can help you:
- Looking into what caused the accident
- Figuring out who’s at fault
- Calculating your losses and collecting important evidence
- Helping you with insurance claims or filing a lawsuit if needed
- Taking the stress off your shoulders
No matter when or where your cruise departs or which cruise line you’re on, it’s important to know your rights. Remember, each cruise line has its own rules and policies, so every situation is different. That said, it’s important to know what your actual legal options are.
What Legal Options Do You Have After a Cruise Ship Accident?
Legally speaking, an accident on a Balearia cruise ship is generally the same as an accident anywhere else–with a few obvious differences. If your injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence, you can file a claim and recover damages. And the way you do this is also the same: filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
- Insurance claim – Since it’s a business, a Balearia cruise ship is going to have liability insurance. This means you can file a claim against them (or whoever else caused your injury). But this also means that an insurance company is going to investigate and evaluate your accident and potentially try to lowball you on a settlement offer.
- Lawsuit – You can also file a personal injury lawsuit against Balearia and other groups or people that caused the accident and your injuries. With a lawsuit, our team will handle the majority of the work while you focus on getting better. But remember, a lawsuit typically takes longer and requires more effort.
Whichever option you choose, the goal is to recover “damages” for your losses. This usually includes things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage (if any personal items were damaged)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses (in fatal cases)
- Punitive damages (in situations where there was intentional negligence)
It’s important to act quickly. Florida law requires that all injury claims, including those from cruise ship accidents, have to be filed within two years of the injury. Even still, a cruise ship accident can be confusing, so it’s important to establish a few things you’re going to need for your claim–starting with who’s responsible.
Who’s Liable For an Accident on a Cruise Ship?
Probably the most confusing thing about getting injured in an accident on a Balearia cruise ship revolves around who is “liable.” Liability is just legal responsibility for what happened, and given the huge amounts of variance in what can happen to you aboard the ship (or in the water), it’s pretty easy to see why it’s so confusing.
To simplify things, the location of the accident plays a significant role. For instance, if you’re injured while still in port in Florida, Florida state law will usually apply. But if the accident happens in international waters or another country, different rules come into play.
Regardless, an accident on a cruise ship (or its associated activities) is treated like a typical premises liability claim. In fact, the cruise line and its crew are held to a higher standard of safety because cruise ships are considered “common carriers.” Legally, they have a heightened duty to protect you and other passengers.
But liability for your injuries comes down to specifics, including where and how the accident happened. So, along with Balearia, others could share liability for an accident, including:
- The crew responsible for ship operations
- Terminal authorities managing the port
- Shops, bars, or restaurants within the terminal
- Manufacturers of defective onboard equipment
- Security personnel or companies
- Other passengers
Obviously, given that so many different things can happen to you on a Balearia cruise ship, figuring out liability can be pretty difficult. That’s where it’s important to have our team’s experience. We can look into what happened and figure out exactly who’s responsible. But it’s important to remember that you yourself have to do a few things too.
What Should You Do After Getting Hurt on a Balearia Cruise?
When you book a spot on a Balearia cruise, you’re not expecting to get hurt. Far from it, you’re likely expecting a fun, relaxing time. But given that so many different things can happen to you, it’s necessary to be prepared should you get injured. Here’s what you’ll need to do if something happens:
- Report what happened to the crew – Tell a crew member or the ship’s management immediately and ask that they document the accident in an official report. Also, make sure they give you medical attention until they can get you to a doctor or hospital.
- Document the accident – Take pictures and videos of the area where the accident happened to highlight any potential safety hazards. Also make sure to get documentation of any injuries you suffered.
- Talk to witnesses – Speak with people who saw the accident, especially fellow passengers. Independent witnesses can provide valuable perspectives for your claim.
- Preserve evidence – Keep any evidence you have, such as torn clothing, damaged belongings, or faulty equipment. Don’t repair or replace these items until they’ve been properly documented. Also, save any communications related to the accident, like emails, letters, and phone calls with the cruise line and their insurance.
- Don’t admit fault – When you talk to staff or insurance reps, be careful with what you say. Don’t admit fault for the accident and stick to the basics of what happened.
Again, facing a situation where you’re injured on a cruise is very scary. For all of its comforts, you’re isolated when you’re on a cruise ship. That’s why it’s important to take these steps–they take care of your health, but they also form the foundation of your potential claim.
What Are Some Common Injuries That Can Happen to You on a Cruise Ship?
Getting hurt is never ideal, but especially on a cruise ship. And while you assume some level of risk when you’re out to sea, Balearia and the crew are ultimately responsible for your safety and well-being when you purchase a ticket.
So, it really comes down to what actually happened. Cruise ships are busy places with a lot going on, from activities on board to shore excursions. It’s pretty easy to see how you could end up getting hurt, particularly when negligence is in play. Whether it’s a slip-and-fall on the deck or not receiving proper warnings about dangerous water, common injuries that could happen to you might include things like:
- Head injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Burns
- Drowning or near-drowning injuries
- Muscle strains or sprains
- Respiratory injuries
- Shore activity injuries
- Foodborne illnesses
No matter what happens or what injuries you go through, it’s vital to take care of your health and safety first. Outside of that, the ship should help you. From there, you can lean on our team for experienced legal guidance and support.
Contact Cowen Edwards If You’ve Been Injured on a Balearia Cruise in Fort Lauderdale
When you step onto a Balearia cruise ship, you have certain expectations. This doesn’t involve being injured in an accident. Unfortunately, this can happen easily. When it does, you can trust our Fort Lauderdale cruise accident lawyers at Cowen Edwards for help. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
