Cruise ship accidents can be painful, stressful, and really put a damper on a guest’s ability to have a good time. After all, guests frequently sign up for a cruise ships as a way to enjoy themselves without worry of sustaining an injury. However, cruise ship accidents happen all too often and in some cases the victim may be entitled to compensation for the incident. The key is to gather as much evidence related to the accident, report what happened right away to staff, and follow up with an attorney once returning home for advice. In this way, you are increasing your chances of receiving financial restitution for your ruined vacation.
Q: What is the first thing I should do if I got hurt while on board?
A: See a medical staff member for the cruise line right after the injury accident. Your health is the top priority, so call for a medical personnel or get yourself to the first aid station without hesitation. A cruise ship should have around the clock medical care services, so you can get the treatment you need regardless of what time of day it is.
Q: Who do I need to notify about the accident?
A: File a cruise ship accident report with a supervisory staff member for the cruise line. Be sure to request a copy of the report for your own records too. If you do not request a copy, there is a chance the document may be destroyed or lost, and now you are unable to use a crucial piece of evidence.
Q: Do I need to get off the ship because of the injury?
A: Whether or not you depart from the ship due to your injuries depends on the extent of the bodily damage and what the doctor suggests. While a guest surely doesn’t want to see their vacation cut short, he or she may need to vacate the ship in order to prevent from a worsened condition.
Q: Is it necessary to hire a lawyer about the cruise ship incident?
A: Lawsuits against cruise ship companies can be vastly complex, as ships operate based on a web of international, maritime, and federal laws. An injured guest may or may not have had certain protections, based on when and in which country the ship was in at the time of the accident. Cruise line companies may already have a team of legal professionals and investigators waiting to jump in and do whatever they can to avoid liability. Without help from a lawyer, fighting for compensation can be a daunting task for the victim of the accident.
Q: What type of evidence can I gather at the time of the accident?
A: Before leaving the scene, take pictures of what had caused your injury. This could be a broken stair step, slippery floors, hot surface, fallen debri, or other maintenance issue. Cruise ship lines and staff are responsible for offering a reasonably safe space for guests to enjoy. A guest who suffered from an accident can help build their lawsuit through obtaining proof before departing the ship.
Source: Personal Injury Lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, Rasmussen & Miner