Cruise Ship Accident

If you or a family member suffered an injury on a cruise ship, you might be able to recover monetary damages. Pursuing a claim against a major company can be intimidating if you attempt to resolve this on your own. Reach out for help by calling the Fort Lauderdale cruise line accident attorneys at Wolfson & Leon. You can reach them free of charge at (954) 530-3918.

Fort Lauderdale is not only a popular tourist destination, but it is also home to one of the busiest ports in the country. In 2018, over 3.8 million people departed on cruises from Port Everglades to visit such exciting destinations as Cozumel, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas.

For many, cruises are a great value. They offer the room, food, entertainment, and plenty of relaxation for an all-in-one price; it takes the stress and guesswork out of planning a family vacation. While cruises have grown in popularity over the years, they bring increased hazards to its guests. With vacation and relaxation on the minds of many, people are often unaware of the potential dangers lurking on cruise ships until they get hurt.

When we think about taking a cruise, glorious sunsets, crashing waves, and exotic destinations come to mind. No one thinks about getting sick or getting hurt while we are on vacation. Yet the very nature of a cruise ship lends itself to injury.

Common accidents on a cruise ship include;

• Food poisoning
• Viruses
• Slips and falls
• Trip and fall accidents
• Swimming pool accidents
• Drowning
• Assaults
• Coronavirus infections

When people fall victim to accidents, they can get hurt. In some cases, these injuries can be severe, even fatal.

A passenger who slips on a wet deck, pool area, or a spilled drink in a restaurant may hit their head, break bones, or damage to their neck or back. Head injuries are particularly dangerous in a slip and fall accident. While a concussion may require a few days of rest to recover from, other trauma to the brain can be much more severe. Torn tissues, brain contusions, or bleeding in the brain may require extensive medical treatment and weeks of recovery. In some cases, these injuries may have a life-long impact and could potentially be fatal if not treated.

Swimming pools pose many dangers. People can fall on slippery surfaces. Head and neck injuries can occur if people are diving into the shallow end. Sadly, people who are not strong swimmers or children who are unsupervised could potentially drown.

Even on a cruise ship, passengers are at risk for illnesses. Large volumes of people, an employee's failure to properly clean and sanitize commonly-used areas, and environmental factors can make cruise ships a hotbed for viral infections. These viruses may be airborne or food-borne. Improperly stored or prepared food can cause food poisoning, which can make people sick for days.

When you get hurt on a cruise ship, it's not always obvious what the next step should be. While it's tempting to file a claim against the cruise line, but there may be other parties that shared in the responsibility that you haven't considered. These may include;

• Owner of the cruise ship
• The operator of the cruise line
• Ticket or travel agent
• Charter company

To ensure that you receive the maximum award that you are entitled to, it is a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney. They specialize in accident claims and can identify the multiple parties who may share responsibility for your injuries.

Proving negligence is critical for a cruise ship injury claim. Cruise lines have a responsibility to provide a higher level of reasonable care. If they fail to do so and you were injured, you may be entitled to monetary damages. These damages include;

• Medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Continuing care
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death

After getting the necessary medical treatment for your injuries, your next step should be to contact a personal injury attorney. The typical statute of limitations may not apply these cases, depending upon the terms and conditions of your ticket.

In other cases, a cruise line may require a claim to be filed in a specific state or court. This requirement can cause an undue financial burden to a tourist that lives in another state. A personal injury attorney can help you hit these deadlines and work on your behalf.

Wolfson & Leon has represented injured victims of a cruise ship, automobile, slip and fall, or other accidents for over 55 years. We handle all aspects of your case, including paperwork, phone calls, gathering documents, and negotiating a settlement. Our main objective is to get you the monetary award you need to pay your bills, continue your treatment, and replace lost income. Schedule your free consultation today by calling Wolfson & Leon at (954) 530-3918.