Cowen Edwards works to compassionately represent those injured on Royal Caribbean cruise lines in Florida. Going on a cruise should be a fun and adventurous time for friends and family. However, we understand that an accident could occur on a cruise ship in the blink of an eye, forever altering your life. Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys are here to help you in your dire time of need. Contact us today so that we can discuss your situation and legal options.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Cruise Accident?
In our modern times, some insurance or personal injury claims can be handled without the help of an attorney. If you have suffered from minor injuries and damages, it may not be necessary to speak with a lawyer. However, some cruise accidents are catastrophic and can follow you through the rest of your life. In these cases, it can benefit you to speak with a lawyer who has handled claims like these previously.
Our team of lawyers can help you with some of the following aspects after a cruise ship accident:
- Walk you through all of your legal options
- Investigate the circumstances leading up to the accident
- Evaluate all of your injuries and damages
- Negotiate with insurers for Royal Caribbean on your behalf
- Take your case to trial if an appropriate settlement cannot be reached
Even when you are not sure if you have legal rights after signing a liability waiver or having to determine who is liable out of multiple parties, there are options. Our attorneys will help you move forward during this complex time.
What Types of Accidents Are Most Common on Royal Caribbean Cruises?
From the moment that you step on board a cruise ship, there are many types of accidents that could occur. Some of these include the following:
- Slip-and-Falls: Wet floors tend to cause many slip-and-falls that happen on cruise ships. These accidents happen in many areas but some of the most common include around pools, in dining areas, and in bathrooms.
- Rough Seas: When there is adverse weather, it can cause rough sea conditions. This can lead to rough conditions that cause passengers and crew to fall, leading to serious harm.
- Lack of Maintenance: When handrails, life-saving equipment, and equipment that keeps the ship running is not properly maintained, an accident could take place that leads to serious injuries.
- Dangerous Activities: Cruises are known for hosting many onboard activities. Depending on the activity, an accident can happen that leads to severe injuries in multiple victims.
- Negligent Security: When there is a lack of security on a cruise ship, serious crimes could occur including theft or assaults that cause harm to those involved.
- Foodborne Illness: Many cruises have experienced foodborne illness events due to poor handling of food on board.
Cruises are supposed to be safe places for you and your family or friends. If you have been involved in an accident on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it is important to know how you can move forward.
Who is Responsible for Your Royal Caribbean Cruise Accident?
Any cruise is sure to bring unique adventures to your life. However, an accident can happen within seconds when safety is not adhered to. As with any company, Royal Caribbean owes you and other passengers a duty of care to keep you safe from harm at all times. If they fail to keep you and others safe from harm, this is considered negligence and you could have a claim as a result.
Along with Royal Caribbean, there could also be several other parties who could be responsible for your accident. These include:
- Other passengers on the ship
- The ship’s crew
- Manufacturers of boat parts
- Businesses on the ship
- Security or maintenance individuals
Under Florida law, you could also share responsibility for your accident based on comparative negligence laws. This means that your damages could be decreased by your percentage of fault in an accident. To find out more about your options, it is important that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible who can guide you through the legal system.
What Damages Are Available Following a Cruise Accident?
If you have been hurt in an accident on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you may wonder what damages you can receive. This will depend upon the injuries that you have suffered and how your injuries will affect you in the future.
Through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover some of the following damages:
- Medical expenses of the past, present, and future
- Lost income and benefits due to missed time at work
- Costs for repairing/replacing property
- Pain and suffering damages
- Diminished quality of life damages
- Wrongful death damages when a life was taken due to an accident
Florida has a set statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means that you have two years from the time of your injury to file a claim before you are barred from bringing a claim. This is why it is important that you act quickly to protect your rights and interests.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Accident Victims Can Count on Cowen Edwards
If you were injured in a Royal Caribbean cruise caused by the negligence of another party, you have options. Our dedicated Florida cruise line injury lawyers at Cowen Edwards are here to assist you after your accident. We know that dealing with the aftermath of a cruise line accident can be frustrating, which is why we are here to assist you every step of the way. Please contact us today for a free consultation so that we can help you get started.
