Cowen Edwards represents individuals who have been hurt in a Florida cruise accident, including Holland America. Even though Holland America cruises are supposed to bring fun and excitement to entire families, accidents still occur on cruises every year. Our experienced cruise accident attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal system so that you can fully focus on your physical recovery. Contact us for a free legal consultation to find out more about what options you have at this time.
Why Should You Speak with an Attorney?
Though you do not legally have to have an attorney for a Florida personal injury claim, there are circumstances where it can be helpful. There are many cases where a cruise line accident leads to severe injuries that can follow a victim throughout their life. Having an attorney on your side at Cowen Edwards can help you in many ways, including the following:
- Explaining your legal options to you through a free consultation
- Helping you to gather evidence in your claim
- Investigate who is responsible for the accident
- Help you file an insurance claim against the Holland America cruise line or any other responsible party
- Help you file a lawsuit if you do not receive a proper settlement amount
Facing the aftermath of a cruise line accident can turn your world upside-down, as these accidents happen so unexpectedly when you are supposed to be enjoying your time. Having a legal advocate on your side can make a challenging situation and process into a simpler one.
Who is Responsible for My Injuries After a Holland America Accident?
From the moment that you enter a Holland America cruise ship, you know that you will spend days in the care of a cruise line that wants to give its passengers an enjoyable experience. From various means of entertainment to delicious food, there are many ways to have fun on these cruise ships. However, it also means that there are more opportunities for accidents to occur.
Some types of accidents that are common on Holland America cruises include:
- Slip-and-fall accidents due to wet decks and clutter
- Grounding accidents or collisions involving other ships
- Fires from electrical issues and malfunctions
- Accidental falls leading to drowning events
- Foodborne illnesses
- Accidents during recreational activities
When there has been an accident on a Holland America cruise line, determining liability is one of the most important aspects of a claim. It is not always easy to figure out who is to blame for an accident. However, here are some of the main parties who could be held accountable for an accident that happens onboard:
- The Holland America cruise line company
- Any crew on the ship at the time
- People who handle food during the cruise
- Other reckless passengers
- Manufacturers of cruise ship equipment
Steps to Take After Being Injured on a Holland America Cruise
When an accident occurs on a Holland America cruise, there are some steps that an injured victim or their family should take to protect their rights. Here are some steps that you should keep in mind to receive the best results after a cruise line accident:
- Report the Accident: You should always tell somebody in charge about the accident, such as a crew member or a manager. The ship’s leadership should be aware of what led up to the accident so that they can correct any problems on their behalf.
- Receive Medical Attention: Make sure that you receive immediate medical attention, even if you believe that your injuries are not that serious. Most cruise ships have some kind of medical area but if your injuries are severe enough, you may need care at a hospital.
- Receive Documentation: Taking down details of what happened and where the accident occurred is incredibly important. If you are able to take photographs and videos, they can be helpful in the future of your claim. You should also receive any medical documentation related to your injuries.
- Gather Evidence: There are many types of evidence that can be useful in your future claim, from witness statements to damaged property. Having these items can help you hold responsible parties accountable for the harm that they caused.
What Damages Are Available Following a Cruise Accident?
After you have been hurt in an accident on a Holland America cruise, you may wonder what options you have moving forward. After evidence is collected and liability is determined, you have the choice to move forward with an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit for financial recovery.
In any type of typical cruise injury claim, you may be eligible to receive some of the following damages:
- Medical expenses you have incurred due to your accident
- Medical treatment that you expect in the future
- Lost income and benefits due to missed time at work
- Emotional distress and mental suffering damages
- Financial support for the impact that the accident has had on your life and an inability to fully enjoy life
- Punitive damages to deter negligent actions from cruise lines in the future
Fault is an important factor in a Florida accident claim due to your responsibility for an accident. If you are found partially at fault for your accident, your claim could be reduced by a certain percentage. For instance, if you are found 40% at fault for your accident because you ignored safety rules, your damages could potentially be reduced by 40%.
Contact Cowen Edwards After a Holland America Cruise Accident
From the moment that you enter a cruise ship with Holland America, you are expecting a peaceful getaway. However, this getaway can turn into a catastrophic and traumatic experience when an unexpected accident takes place on board. Our experienced Florida cruise ship accident lawyers at Cowen Edwards are here to help you after an accident that was caused by another party’s negligence. Contact us for a free consultation to find out what we can do for you in your time of need.
