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What to Do After a Cruise Ship Accident

South Florida - The Capital Of Cruise Ships

Cruise ship accident lawyers

As most people have seen on TV or read about in the newspaper, cruise ship accidents and injuries are a relatively common occurrence. Due to the sheer number of cruise ship passengers, accident, incidents and injuries are going to happen. During a March 2010 weekend alone, more than 50,000 passengers embarked on a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale�s Port Everglades. One of the ships that left Port Everglades that weekend, Royal Caribbean�s Oasis of the Seas, can hold up to 6000 passengers.

If you are injured on one of these cruises, there are steps you can take to ensure your rights are protected. For starters, you should be familiar with the most common types of cruise ship accidents. These include:

Types of Cruise Ship Accidents

  1. On Shore excursion accidents - These types of accidents can occur during the dozens of off ship activities offered on most cruise ships. The off ship activities range from parasailing and jet skiing, to exploring the islands visited by the ships. The danger in these activities is that they are often not monitored by ship personnel. In fact, most cruise ship tickets specifically disclaim responsibility for these types of off ship activities. You may think you are going on a ship sponsored event, but in reality you are contracting with an unknown person or company that may not be covered by United States laws.
  2. Slip and Falls/Trip and Falls - One of the most popular activities on board a cruise ship are the resort style pools and hot tubs. They offer everything from 3 story water slides to wave machines you can practice surfing in. The problem that occurs is that you can usually find a good amount of water in the areas surrounding the pool areas. While the cruise ship should take precautions to make sure the areas are dry, the areas have good quality non skid flooring, or �wet floor� warning signs are placed in the area, these precautions often do not occur.
  3. Missing persons - Most people have heard about one of these incidents. There was a very high profile incident recently where a newlywed groom disappeared while on his honeymoon. Unfortunately, these types of incidents happen far more often than people realize. The sheer size of most cruise ships creates an environment where it is difficult to keep track of people. The cruise ships offer 24 hour entertainment where unlimited access to alcoholic drinks is available.
  4. Sexual Assaults - Again, incidents such as these occur far too frequently. Whether it is a forcible assault, or even consensual sex with an underage minor, Cruise ship owners can be held vicariously liable for the torts committed by crew members even though the actual assault is not committed in the course and scope of the crew members employment.

What to Do As A Victim of a Cruise Ship Accident

If you are the victim of one of these types of incidents, make sure to know, protect and enforce your rights by:

  1. Insist a report detailing the incident is prepared by the Cruise Ship personnel
  2. Obtain the names and contact information for any other cruise ship passengers that may be witnesses or have knowledge about the incident.
  3. Obtain the names and identification information for any cruise ship personnel that may be a witness or have knowledge about the incident.
  4. Take photographs of the area where the accident occurred, and any defective conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
  5. Seek medical attention and complain about any part of your body that was injured, no matter how severe or minor.
  6. Request the ship personnel preserve any materials or evidence that is related to the accident or injury. It is best to do this in writing and keep a copy for yourself. Your request should include the preservation of any on board video tape surveillance.
  7. Speak to an experienced cruise ship accident injury lawyer. Cruise ship accident and injuries can often involve state, federal or international laws that may be very different from the laws in your area. It is best to speak with a cruise ship accident injury lawyer as soon as possible following the incident to protect your rights.

The cruise ships that operate out of Port of Miami, Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) and Port of Palm Beach are Carnival, Celebrity, Commodore, Costa, Cunard, Discovery, Disney, Holland America, Imperial Majesty, Norwegian, Princess, Radisson, Renaissance, Royal Caribbean, Seaborne, Sea Escape, SilverSea Cruise Lines and others.

Most cruise ships have clauses in their tickets which require any claim for a cruise ship accident or injury to be pursued in one of two venues - either Miami or Los Angeles. The Maus Law Firm represents people injured in cruise ship accidents. With offices in Pompano Beach, Florida, Joseph Maus offers a free, no obligation consultation, in person or over the telephone to discuss your cruise ship accident or injury. Mr. Maus handles the claims on a contingent basis which means the attorneys fees charged are only paid if you recover money for your cruise ship accident or injury. Contact us for help and information