What Are Cruise Injuries?

Most people take a cruise to enjoy the glow of the warm sun or to visit faraway destinations. Nobody expects that they will become ill or injured while aboard a cruise ship. Unfortunately, it happens all too often.

Cruise lines hire insurance companies to deal with issues like illness and injury, and these insurance companies are not consumer advocates. They may seek different ways to avoid paying you for damages you experience on the ship.

If you are going on a cruise in the future or were injured on a cruise in the past, knowledge is power. Read this guide to learn more about cruise-related injuries and what you can do about them.

Cruise injuries may vary from soft tissue injuries to severe illness. Research shows that open wounds are the most common injuries on cruise ships, and many incidents also happen at the ports of call.

Slip and fall accidents are common on cruise ships because floors can easily become wet and because the ship is always in motion with the waves. If you are near a swimming pool, you are at especially high risk for falling. Falls are also common resulting from defective staircases, loose railings, and unlit hallways.

Living in close quarters can be dangerous too. Other travelers on the ship may bump into you or even assault you. If a fight breaks out and security fails to stop it, you could have a case for negligence.

While cruise ships typically offer swimming areas, these areas are not always maintained well. Additionally, they are not always supervised adequately.

With illness, food poisoning often occurs on ships. Tainted food can impact many passengers at once.

Unfortunately, some incidents that occur on board a ship could lead to death, such as foul play, drowning, and illness. In a case like this, your best bet would be to file a wrongful death lawsuit if you believe the cruise operator was negligent and contributed to your loved one's death.

Steep medical bills are one of the most common consequences of cruise injuries. If you suffer from extreme injuries, you may have to take time off work to recover.

You may sue a cruise operator for the costs of your medical bills. Lost wages and loss of potential income are possible damages you can sue for as well.

First, you should always seek emergency medical care for injury or illness that occurs aboard a ship. Failing to seek medical care on the ship could mean that the cruise can prove in court that the injuries were not serious.

After you get home from the cruise, follow through with medical care. Keep documents and photos associated with your visits to provide clear-cut evidence in court.

Next, you should seek legal counsel to look into your case. Personal injury attorneys can act as your advocates in court, suing the cruise line or insurance company for damages you deserve. Suing a cruise company for negligence may be your best opportunity to recoup your damages.

Securing a lawyer is especially important, considering that many cruise ships are not registered in the United States. This means that maritime law may apply in cruise ship cases. Additionally, you may have signed documents releasing liability in some situations.

Your attorney will have the knowledge necessary to assess your case. Act quickly to avoid running into a statute of limitations.

Do you have a personal injury case against a cruise line or company? Wegner & Associates may help you. Call today to set up an appointment for a consultation with a legal professional who can manage your case.