People take cruises to rest, relax and refresh. Many people also enjoy the various activities the cruise ships offer. Just because time on a cruise ship is meant as a vacation, it doesn’t mean that it’s completely safe. Passengers are still vulnerable to accidents while they’re on the ship.
Cruise lines may be liable for injuries if they fail to maintain a safe environment or respond to the dangers that are present quickly. These can include falls during ship-sponsored excursions, slips on wet decks or incidents with the equipment on the ship. These injuries can be physically and financially draining, especially when it’s unclear who should pay the bill.
Special rules apply to injuries at sea
If you’re hurt on a cruise, timing and documentation are important. You should report the injury to the ship personnel right away and get a copy of the incident report. If it’s possible, take photos of the location and collect witness information. You may also need to seek medical care, which may occur on board or once you’re ashore.
Cruise ship injuries may fall under maritime law, which has special procedures and deadlines. Many cruise lines have contractual clauses with their tickets that limit where and when a lawsuit can be filed. In some cases, the time limit is as little as six months from the date of the incident, which is much shorter than the typical statute of limitations for on-land claims.
Taking legal action after an injury on a cruise ship can be a complex undertaking, partially because of the various laws that come into the picture. It may be beneficial for you to work with someone familiar with these matters so they can assist you with ensuring that you’re complying with requirements.
