Cruise vacations are supposed to be carefree and relaxing, and most of the time they are. However, any cruise accident attorney can tell you that cruise ship injuries are more common than you might expect. What’s more, if you’re injured on a cruise due to a safety hazard, you’ll have a hard time collecting damages from the cruise line. If you are injured during a cruise, contact a cruise ship law firm like the Maus Law Firm as soon as possible after your return. You only have one year from the date of the injury in which to pursue a claim against a cruise line. Meanwhile, here are some tips for staying safe while on your cruise vacation.
Wear Proper Footwear
Of course you want to look great on your vacation, and you’ll probably go shopping specifically for clothes to wear on your cruise. Be particular about the shoes you pack. Ideally, you should choose well-fitting, rubber-soled shoes to minimize slipping hazards. Cruise ships have pools and mini water parks, and slipping hazards are common. Choose comfortable shoes with good traction and avoid going barefoot unless you are using the pool. Remember-bandages and casts are never fashionable.
Report Tripping or Slipping Hazards Right Away
If you notice an unmarked slipping or tripping hazard on your cruise ship, report it to a crew member as soon as possible. They should clean and correct the hazard or at least mark it so people will know it’s there. In June 2013, a 12-year-old boy had to be airlifted to an Orlando hospital after tripping and injuring himself on a Carnival cruise, so these hazards can be serious. Additionally, cruises are very popular with retired individuals, and in an elderly person, a simple fall can be serious.
Hand Washing Is Critical
Just about everyone has read news stories about Norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships. Scientists are working on a vaccine for the most common virus strains, but they aren’t available yet. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is working with the cruise industry on education and sanitation programs to minimize Norovirus outbreaks. You can do your part by always washing hands thoroughly with soap after using the restroom and before meals.
Stay Safe on Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are usually outsourced by the cruise line, and trying to recover costs from injuries received on shore excursions can be difficult. Always read the fine print before choosing a shore excursion. Pay particular attention to restrictions based on age, weight and fitness level. If you have physical limitations, not all shore excursions are suitable. If you are injured during a shore excursion, document the incident thoroughly, with photos if possible, and contact a cruise accident attorney as soon as possible.
Most cruises are fun, relaxing vacations, but when people are injured on cruises, they often don’t realize how challenging it is to recover costs related to the injury. Before you try to contact the cruise line directly, speak with a cruise ship law firm like the Maus Law Firm to discuss your case. One of our skilled, experienced cruise accident lawyers can advise you on the best way to proceed with your claim.