Personal Injury Lawyer
Many people hop on cruise ships as a way to enjoy travel and take a vacation with loved ones. As much as these trips can be a good time, there are potential risks and ways that you may get injured. The key to helping prevent injuries aboard cruise ships is for staff to take safety precautions seriously, and guests to report broken or dangerous areas as soon as they are observed. If the cruise ship was at-fault for an injury accident, the victim may be able to file a lawsuit to seek compensation. It is important to take the following actions, to help lessen the chances of an injury and ensure the accident is handled appropriately if a situation does arise:
#1 Report the accident immediately.
After sustaining an injury, do not wait to see if your bumps and bruises go away on its own. Cruise ship companies must uphold safety management systems and investigate instances where a guest was injured. Report the accident to a staff member who is responsible for handling these types of incidents, then request a copy of the paperwork for your own records too.
#2 Be wary of activities that were meant for land.
Cruise ship companies may build entertainment that was meant to only be operated while on sturdy land. For example, zip lining, waterslides, ice skating, rock climbing, and simulated surfing are all types of activities that pose a threat to passengers. In many cases, the cruise ship may require guests sign an assumption of risk form so they are not held liable for injuries. However, under the maritime law, a cruise line may be violating guest rights by having them sign a contract which voids responsibility for any injuries.
#3 Be wary of what you say and write regarding the accident.
Cruise ship employees may investigate your accident claim right away. Anything you say to the nurse, captain, supervisor or security offer may be recorded along with your statement. It is crucial that you are careful about what you say, do not admit or accept fault, only stick to facts, and remember these details may be used against you in the event of a lawsuit. You may only want to answer what is required, then wait until you have spoken with your personal injury for advice on how to proceed.
#4 Do not let a family member provide a statement for you.
If you are seriously hurt, you may not be in the state of mind or health to submit a statement about the accident. A family member may jump in to give a statement instead, as a way to help. Even though your loved one probably has your best of interest at heart, his or her story may not be exactly accurate. Down the line, these small details and errors in the story may have an impact on the outcome of your lawsuit. Consider waiting until you are of stable health, and then file your statement to the cruise ship employee handling your report.