Cowen Edwards represents anyone that’s been hurt while on a Crystal Cruises voyage. Booking one of these trips is supposed to be relaxing and fun, but this changes when you or someone you care about gets injured. Our team of Fort Lauderdale cruise accident lawyers will be there to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Get a Lawyer?
Even on a luxury cruise like Crystal Cruises, accidents can happen, and you might get hurt. While you’ll likely sign a waiver when booking your ticket, you still have legal options if you’re injured during your cruise.
In terms of whether or not you should get a lawyer, it depends on your situation. If your injuries are relatively minor, you probably won’t need to worry about taking legal action. That said, a cruise ship is a pretty unique environment that raises a lot of questions. At that point, you should think about getting a lawyer, and that’s where our team can help you by:
- Explaining your legal options and rights
- Gathering evidence and investigating what happened
- Negotiating with Crystal Cruises’ insurance company for a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit, if necessary
Every cruise injury claim is different, and the process can be slow and complicated, especially when dealing with a major cruise line like Crystal Cruises. With our experienced team by your side, we’ll keep your claim strong and fight for the best possible outcome.
How Could You Get Hurt on a Crystal Cruise?
Crystal Cruises offers an exciting array of activities both on board and at various ports of call. With so much to do, it’s easy to see why so many choose to cruise with them. Whether it’s relaxing by the pool, enjoying entertainment shows, or exploring destinations on shore excursions, there’s no shortage of things to do. Unfortunately though, this can also lead to accidents where you get hurt. Most of the time, this involves incidents like:
- Slips, trips and falls – Wet decks, uneven surfaces, or crowded areas can lead to accidents.
- Pool accidents – Slippery poolside areas or accidents in the water can result in injury or drowning.
- Shore excursion injuries – Water sports, hiking accidents, or falls during guided tours are potential risks.
- Food poisoning – Poorly prepared or handled food can cause food poisoning or other health issues.
- Alcohol-related injuries – Drinking too much alcohol can lead to accidents, falls, or altercations.
- Thefts or assaults – Although rare, thefts, assaults or other criminal incidents could happen on board if security is lax.
While Crystal Cruises does its best to keep passengers safe with strict rules and safety measures, accidents can still happen. You can also play a role in staying safe by following guidelines, paying attention to your surroundings, and using caution. If an accident does happen, though, it’s important to understand who’s responsible.
Who’s Responsible For Injuries During a Crystal Cruise?
When you get injured on a Crystal Cruises ship, figuring out who’s responsible can be confusing. The cruise line has a duty to keep you safe, but with so many variables–such as the location of the accident–it can be tough to pin down liability.
For example, if your injury happens while the ship is in port in Fort Lauderdale, Florida state law applies. But if it happens in international waters or another country, different laws may take effect.
In general, though, cruise ship accidents are treated like a typical premises liability claim. Since cruise lines are considered “common carriers,” they are held to an even higher standard when it comes to your safety. This means Crystal Cruises must take extra steps to protect you and other passengers. So, when there’s an accident and you’re hurt, the company is going to carry most of the liability.
However, liability can also involve several parties, including:
- The ship’s crew
- Terminal authorities managing the port
- Shops or restaurants at the terminal
- Manufacturers of defective onboard equipment
- Security personnel or contractors
- Other passengers
With so many possible factors involved, figuring out who’s responsible can be complicated. That’s where our experienced team comes in. We can investigate the situation and help you determine exactly who is liable for your injury.
What Legal Options Do You Have After a Crystal Cruise Accident?
After an injury on a Crystal Cruise trip, you have two main legal options: filing an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit. The choice is entirely up to you, but most of the time, it’s going to come down to your needs. An insurance claim is usually quicker, but a lawsuit offers the potential for fuller “damages.” Specifically, though, here’s a quick look at both processes:
- Insurance claim – Crystal Cruises will have liability insurance to cover accidents that happen on their ship. However, the insurance company may try to minimize your settlement offer, so it’s important to have a legal team to protect your interests.
- Lawsuit – If necessary, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against Crystal Cruises and anyone else responsible for your injuries. A lawsuit can be a longer process, but our team will guide you through it, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Regardless of which option you choose, you may be able to recover “damages” for things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage (e.g., damaged personal items)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses (in fatal cases)
- Punitive damages (for intentional negligence)
Florida law requires you to file injury claims within two years of the accident, so it’s important to act quickly. The sooner you get started, the better.
What Should You Do After Getting Hurt on a Crystal Cruise?
If you’re injured on a Crystal Cruises ship, follow these steps to protect your health and your potential legal claim:
- Report the injury to the ship – Immediately notify the crew or ship management about the accident. Ask for an official report to be created and request medical attention if needed.
- Document the accident – Take photos or videos of the accident scene and any hazards. Keep records of your injuries as well.
- Talk to any witnesses – Speak with passengers or crew who witnessed the incident. Their statements can help support your claim.
- Preserve evidence – Keep any damaged personal items, torn clothing, or faulty equipment as evidence. Don’t repair or replace them until they’ve been properly documented. Also, save any communications with the cruise line or their insurance company.
- Don’t admit fault – When talking to cruise staff or insurance representatives, avoid admitting fault. Stick to the facts of what happened.
While being injured on a cruise is frightening, these steps help protect your health and lay the groundwork for your injury claim. Your safety is the priority, but gathering this information will also strengthen your case if you decide to file a claim. And remember, our team will be there to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Crystal Cruise Injury Victims in Fort Lauderdale Can Turn to Cowen Edwards
In a lot of ways, the last thing you expect when you book a Crystal Cruise trip is getting injured. However, this is something that can happen–and the resulting injuries can turn your life upside down. That’s when you can turn to our team of Fort Lauderdale cruise accident lawyers at Cowen Edwards. We’ll explain the legal process and support your claim so you can get better. Contact us today for a free consultation.
