Injured on a Cruise Ship?

How Cruise Ships Avoid Liability

We are familiar with all the tricks cruise lines use to limit their liability. Most cruise lines give passengers limited time to file personal injury suits. They use complicated legalese in the fine print of your travel documents to protect themselves—and often blame you for your injury, claiming that you were reckless or irresponsible.

Most cruise ship injury cases must be filed within one year from the date of the injury. Additionally, the claim must be filed in the state where the cruise ship boarded, not in your home state. Therefore, if you suffered an injury while being a passenger on a cruise ship, or suffered an injury during an excursion sponsored by the cruise line, you must act immediately.

Common Causes of Cruise Ship Injuries

There are many hazards on the cruise ship which can cause serious injury and even illness. While most cruise companies uphold high safety standards for their passengers, sometimes they may take shortcuts to increase their profits.

The following are the most common causes of cruise ship injuries:

• Slip and fall accidents – According to a three-year study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), almost 45 percent of all cruise ship injuries were caused by slips, trips, and/or falls. When it comes to injuries ashore, the figure increases to nearly 70 percent. Slip and fall accidents can lead to traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, broken bones, as well as bruises and lacerations. Then there are falls from elevated heights caused by slippery surfaces or lack of guard rails, which could be potentially fatal.
• Illness outbreak – Cruise companies must have sufficient food safety and sanitation standards, as well as a skilled medical team on board. The outbreak of a serious illness can be a devastating event, affecting many or all the passengers onboard. If the illness was caused by tainted food, poor ship conditions, or lack of medical staff, the cruise ship can be held liable for the outbreak.
• Assault – Another common cause of injury is assault, whether it’s violent or sexual in nature. Crew members must follow strict policies which forbid socializing with passengers, yet sexual assault still occurs. Furthermore, passengers commit crimes against each other. If the cruise line failed to provide adequate security to prevent assaults, they can result in serious injuries.
• Cruise ship collisions – Although this type of situation rarely occurs, passengers can suffer life-threatening injuries if the cruise ship crashes into underwater debris, land masses, or anything else, such as another cruise ship.

Our Virginia cruise accident lawyers are your protectors against these tactics. We know the law, and we can help you. Call Kalfus & Nachman PC at (855) 880-8163 or contact us for a free case evaluation.