When you book a cruise, you expect to have the time of your life. But sometimes, things go wrong. From slips and falls to more serious accidents, there are a variety of ways that passengers can be injured on cruise ships. If you were injured on a cruise ship, contacting a lawyer can help you determine who is responsible and whether you have a viable claim.
West Palm Beach Cruise Ship Injury Resources
Most Common Types of Cruise Ship Injuries
While no one wants to get hurt on their vacation, the fact is, accidents can happen anywhere – even on a cruise ship. Some of the most common types of cruise ship injuries include:
Slip and Falls
One of the most common ways that people are injured on cruise ships is by slipping and falling. Wet floors, loose carpeting, and cluttered walkways can all contribute to slip-and-fall accidents.
Excursions and Activities
Many cruise ships offer a variety of excursions and activities for passengers to enjoy during their trip. While these activities can be a lot of fun, they also come with a certain amount of risk. Some of the most common injuries suffered by passengers occur while participating in activities such as zip-lining, kayaking, or even just going for a swim.
Food Poisoning/Norovirus
Norovirus is a type of virus that causes gastrointestinal illness, and it’s unfortunately all too common on cruise ships. Given the close quarters on cruise ships, it’s not surprising that stomach viruses and other forms of food poisoning can spread quickly among passengers and crew members alike.
Signing a Liability Waiver Doesn’t Always Prevent You from Filing a Lawsuit
You’re out at sea, enjoying the sun and the breeze when suddenly you slip and fall on the deck of the cruise ship. After you’ve sought medical attention, you’re wondering if you can file a personal injury lawsuit, and then you remember the waiver you signed releasing the cruise company from any liability for injuries. Can you still file a lawsuit even though you signed a waiver?
The answer is: it depends. It’s important to understand that signing a waiver doesn’t mean that your case will automatically be dismissed. The courts will still consider the circumstances of your accident and decide whether the cruise line can be held liable.
There are usually three main factors that the court will take into account when deciding whether or not to dismiss a case based on a liability waiver:
- Whether the waiver was valid in the first place. For a waiver to be considered valid, it must be clear and unambiguous. The court will also look at whether you had enough time to read and understand the waiver before signing it.
- Whether the accident was caused by negligence on the part of the cruise line. Even if you’ve signed a waiver, the cruise line can still be held liable if it can be shown that they were negligent in some way (e.g., failing to maintain safe conditions on the ship, failing to warn passengers about potential hazards, etc.).
- Whether the waiver violates public policy. If the court finds that enforcing the waiver would violate public policy, then it is more likely to rule in your favor.
What Type of Compensation Can I Recover in a Cruise Ship Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a cruise ship accident, you may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages. These can be divided into two broad categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those which have a monetary value attached to them, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify but can include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, the court will also award punitive damages.
Why Choose GOLDLAW?
If you are looking for experienced and professional personal injury lawyers, then look no further than our firm. At GOLDLAW, we:
- Have a proven track record of success in getting our clients the compensation they deserve, and we will work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome in your case.
- Have a team of experienced lawyers who will thoroughly investigate your claim and fight for you every step of the way.
- Offer free consultations, so there is no risk involved in speaking with us.
If you were injured on a cruise ship and need help, contact GOLDLAW to schedule your free consultation.