I Suffered an Injury on a Cruise Ship, Now What?

The winter weather might have you thinking of a warm weather vacation…a cruise, perhaps? One thing to keep in mind is what to do if you suffer an injury on a cruise ship. Each year, thousands of travelers suffer injuries from slip-and-fall accidents, food poisoning and even sexual assaults from other passengers and crewmembers.

Injuries at sea fall under maritime law, and the contract you sign with the cruise line might contain provisions about your rights if you suffer injuries on the ship. You have a very short time to act, and your contract forces you to take action in a place outside of your home town. Florida is the most likely contractual venue to bring a claim for a cruise ship related injury.

There are some simple steps you can take to document your injury, and better your chances at a successful recovery:

• Take a picture of the area of the ship where you suffered the injury. Cell phone cameras make it possible to do this immediately after your accident.
• Take special note of any warning signs, or absence of warning signs in the area.
• See the cruise ship doctor right away. A prompt medical diagnosis goes a long way in proving that your injury is a direct result of the mishap. It will also aid in your healing process as well.

Maritime law is complex, so find an attorney experienced in the area.

Do you have a story to tell about a cruise ship injury?

Colson Hicks Eidson – Florida injury attorneys