Cowen Edwards offers assistance to victims and families who have suffered losses due to Florida cruise line accidents. Many individuals choose Princess Cruises every year as a vacation spot to have adventures with family and friends. However, a life-altering accident on one of these ships can leave you in a desperate position that you are not prepared to face alone. If you have been hurt on a Princess Cruise, contact us today for a confidential and free case consultation.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Whether or not you need the assistance of an attorney after a cruise accident depends on the circumstances of your accident. If your accident is relatively minor and you only walk away with bumps and bruises, there is a chance that you may not need an attorney on your side. However, if you have suffered traumatic or long-lasting trauma due to a cruise accident, you could benefit from the assistance of an attorney as you move forward with a personal injury claim.
If you decide to move forward with an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, our team can do the following for you:
- Investigate your accident in full
- Determine who is liable for your accident
- Talk to any witnesses at the scene of the accident
- Review any important ship policies
- Help you report your accident to management
- Take your claim to trial if settlement cannot be reached
At Cowen Edwards, our goal is to help you through the difficult and overwhelming legal process. You should be able to focus completely on your physical recovery at this time while we handle the stressful aspects of your claim.
What Types of Accidents Happen on Princess Cruises?
Though you never expect it to happen while you are on a cruise, an accident can occur in the blink of an eye. Here are some of the most common accidents that happen on Princess Cruises every year:
- Slip-and-Falls: Wet floors on cruises can lead to slip-and-falls at pools, dining areas, and more.
- Safety Issues: There are many areas of a cruise ship that may not be properly maintained such as handrails on stairs or life-saving equipment. An accident such as a drowning could occur in the blink of an eye due to these reasons.
- Crew Errors: When a ship’s crew does not adequately maintain certain areas of the cruise ship, an accident could happen within seconds that leads to devastating results.
- Inadequate Security: When there is a lack of security on a cruise ship, serious accidents could happen involving criminals. These include thefts and assaults.
- Malfunctioning Equipment: If any equipment breaks down on a cruise, an accident could occur and lead to serious results.
- Foodborne Illness: Poor food handling by staff leads to foodborne illness on cruises every year, affecting many passengers.
What Steps Should I Take After a Cruise Accident?
There are always potential risks when you get on board a Princess Cruise. However, there are policies and procedures in place just in case you or anybody else is involved in an accident. The steps that you take after an accident can assist you in the future of your case. Here are some steps that you need to take after an accident:
- Get medical assistance as soon as possible after your accident either at the ship’s medical center or a hospital.
- Report your injuries to the staff so that your accident is documented.
- Take photographs and videos of the location of your accident and any injuries you have sustained.
- Contact your insurance company about your accident and injuries.
- Collect any evidence that you can regarding your claim, such as documentation and witness statements.
- Keep up with any medical treatment that you need following your accident.
What Damages Are Available After a Princess Cruise Accident?
There could be various types of damages available for you after you have been hurt in an accident on a Princess Cruise. You can recover these damages through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Some of the damages you could potentially recover include the following:
- Coverage for medical expenses that you have incurred related to the accident
- Any future medical expenses that you could receive due to your injuries
- Lost income and potential future earnings due to missing time at work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Support for loss of enjoyment of life
- Replacement of property that was damaged due to your accident
Contact Cowen Edwards After a Princess Cruise Line Accident in Florida
At Cowen Edwards, our attorneys believe that Princess Cruise Lines should be held accountable for the harm that they have caused you or a loved one in an accident. Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys have the resources necessary to help you successfully move forward with a claim after your accident. To learn more about how we can help you during these challenging times, please contact us for a free legal consultation.