Miami Cruise Ship Personal Injury Lawyers
Going on a cruise ship could have been one of your dreams. It may have been a plan that you have had for years and finally got the opportunity to go on one. You packed everything you needed, and already chose locations where you would stop and look at. It was an upcoming experience of a lifetime.
As you were on your cruise, you went dancing with a few friends and suddenly, you slipped on some water that had been present on the dance floor. You injured yourself pretty bad, so much so that the cruise ship had to turn back around to take you to a hospital because their medical team could not handle what you got.
You got a broken hip and now must undergo surgery. The pain of the surgery will remain with you for the rest of your life. Now what? What happens? Proving that the cruise ship was negligent which resulted in your slip and fall is what needs to be demonstrated.
Expert Miami Cruise Ship accident personal injury attorneys at Percy Martinez Law Firm want to offer victims of accidents on cruise ships and passengers an abundance of information regarding accidents on cruise ships. If you want to learn more, continue reading below.
What Are Some Requirements that Cruise Ships Have Towards Passengers?
The cruise ship organizations have a legal obligation to its passengers. Under the federal maritime law, they are required to give rational aid under whatever circumstance that may arise during your time on the cruise. The meaning of reasonable care can be different for each claim, this is why areas that are most used by the public in a cruise ship like the walking paths, rooms, and even deck must be clear of any hazardous situations that can end up being a dangerous situation for you or your loved ones on the cruise. In addition, the cruise ship’s equipment must be provided with a quality maintenance to ensure that everything is functioning well.
Under reasonable care, the safe passage to the ship and from the cruise ship and giving a high-level quality of safety and security to protect all of the cruise ships passengers and crew members is essential for reasonable care requirement. Some ways that a cruise ship can end up breaking these violations and resulting in your injury can include:
⦁ A failure to warn of a hazardous condition: If the cruise ship or workers of the cruise now that there is a dangerous situation, such as a spill, or a lose stairway case, they are required to warn you and all passengers on the cruise of the potential danger. They can either put signs or advise you of it. In addition, they have to prevent you from trying to enter that dangerous area.
⦁ A failing in correcting the hazardous condition: If they knew about the potential danger but did not correct it, such as not repairing the broken stairwell, or cleaning up the spill, this can give reason for them to be considered negligent.
⦁ Exposure of the passengers to an unneeded harm: This falls into them letting you enter the area that they knew was dangerous when it could have been avoided.
If the cruise ship fails to provide you with reasonable care during your vacation time on a cruise, you have legal options under the maritime law. If they violated any of the above, you can be entitled to receive compensation for your damages, especially if they were substantial.
Making an Accident Claim on a Cruise Ship
If you or a loved one were injured on a cruise ship, you have many options, especially if your injury was caused by the negligence of the cruise and or workers on the cruise ship. Miami cruise ship accident attorneys from Percy Martinez Law Firm want to offer you the following information on how to file a claim for your damages:
⦁ The passenger (You) must read and comprehend the cruise ticket contract that is given to you before going on the cruise ship. In that contract, it states the terms and conditions if anything were to happen to you while on-board
⦁ The passenger (You) must report the accident or injury immediately after it happened. This is crucial in receiving compensation. You need to round up any witnesses to provide you with their information in the event that they were present during the time of your accident.
⦁ The passenger must take pictures of their injuries and of the area where the accident happened. Make sure you include the violation that occurred. For example, if you slip and fell on a spill, make sure you take pictures of the spill and how it shouldn’t have been there.
⦁ Do not settle for less. Get what you are deserved. Most cruise ship companies will want to work things out with you personally. Contact a personal injury lawyer before falling into any tricks by these companies
⦁ It is vital to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. You can visit the medical center that the ship has, but it is important that you follow-up on your injury as soon as you get off the cruise ship
If you perform all of these steps, you are more than likely to have enough evidence to be able to file a claim against the cruise ship for its negligence under the maritime law. You must get in touch with a skillful cruise ship accident Miami lawyer who understands this type of law and is an expert in accidents and injuries involving cruise ships.
Different Types of Personal Injury Accidents on Cruise Ships
Being on a cruise ship can be a wonderful experience, but if could also be a moment where you sustain a life-changing injury that you would never have through possible. I mean, after all, who goes on a cruise thinking that they will return back home with an injury? These are some accidents that could occur on a cruise ship that could render you a victim of personal injury:
⦁ Disasters such as, pirates attacking the cruise ship, sinking of the cruise ship, crashes against other cruise ships or boats, terrorist’s attacks, and many more.
⦁ Sicknesses such as, an outbreak of noroviruses, gastrointestinal illness, influenza, and many more.
⦁ Injuries such as, rapes, slip and fall, assaults, battery’s that can be done by either the passengers or cruise ship members and slipping and falling fractures
⦁ Deaths such as, jumping overboard, suicides, murders, heart attacks, drowning, and many more
⦁ Crimes such as, theft, robbery inside the cabins, smuggling or possessing illicit drugs, past warrants, exposure and hostile behavior by a passenger who may be under the influence
⦁ Outside conditions such as, hurricanes, heavy storms, severe fog, and tsunamis
Just are just some of the many scenarios that can happen on a cruise ship. Remember, any accident that occurs where negligence was present can constitute a personal injury lawsuit against a cruise ship.
What Safety Measures Can I Take During my Cruise?
Going on a cruise brings a person a sense of excitement and joy. Families may reunite during this experience and a person might even meet someone new during the cruise. No matter what comes out of a cruise ship experience, passengers can take certain safety measure to ensure that they do not become victims of an injury while on board. No one wants their vacation cut short because they fell victim of an accident.
Although some accidents are caused by the cruise lines or crew members incompetence, passengers should try to avoid getting hurt. A cruise ship is not all about having fun. Accidents do happen on these aquatic vessels and sometimes even intentional torts. A passenger is not risk-free while they are on a cruise. A personal injury claim can be made by passengers who were injured through an experienced maritime lawyer at Percy Martinez Law Firm in Miami, FL.
Reducing the risks of becoming a victim of an accident that may cause a severe injury during a passenger’s travel is essential. These following measures can help maintain the safety of your family and yourself while you are on a cruise:
⦁ Once a person has boarded the cruise ship. The crew members will provide the passengers with instructions on what to do in case there is an emergency on the cruise ship. The passengers need to make sure to abide by these safety guidelines because that can make the difference between life and death. A passenger should know exactly where they must go once an emergency has presented itself. Typically, a safety drill is conducted by the cruise ship to ensure that every passenger knows what to do and where to go if an emergency were to take place.
⦁ Knowing how the ship is structured is very important. Learning where each room is located and where the crew members will be is vital for a passenger if they find themselves in trouble. By learning the layout of the ship, a passenger will have an easier chance to get out of harm’s way.
⦁ When a person is on vacation, all they want to do is have fun. They want to forget about their problems, bills, work, and everything that doesn’t make them happy. A person can be tempted to consume a little too much alcohol while on a cruise. A cruise’s access to alcohol is like the wind. It is everywhere. A person should know their limits before they consume too much. A passenger could slip and fall and even fall overboard from their unsteady balance.
⦁ Cruise ships are able to go to many different destinations. Excursions are usually signed up for by the majority of passengers. A passenger will wonder off in another country to visit historical and marvelous locations. With the beauty that that brings, a passenger should research their destination before going. They should check the crime rates and whether any incidents have happened before on excursions. Many unknown countries prey on these tourists to rob them of any possessions they may have. A passenger can reduce their chances of becoming a victim by learning which destinations are safe and which are not.
Remember, while you may think that all your injuries that you acquire on a cruise ship are their fault, there are instances where the court will not rule in your favor, especially if they find that you did not try to protect yourself or avoid the accident altogether. Learn about safety measures you can take while you go on a cruise to prevent becoming a victim of an accident on the cruise ship. You do not want to have to go through the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burden that an injury can bring, in particular if the courts find that you were negligent.
Facts and Numbers of Cruise Ship Occurrences
These are some interesting statistics and facts about cruise ships:
⦁ The largest cruise ship ever measured at 226,963 gross tonnes
⦁ One of the highest cruise ships are the height of a total of 16-story building
⦁ The majority of cruise ships do not have a deck 13 because passengers remain superstitious
⦁ In 2015, there were more than 23 million people that boarded a cruise ship
⦁ By the year 2018, more than 28 million people were taking cruise ships
⦁ About every 1 in four Americans have taken a cruise ship for a holiday
⦁ More than half (62%) of passengers on cruise ships are full-time workers and married
⦁ Every year, cruise ship industries create more than 4,000 new jobs
⦁ Spilling wine on the deck of a cruise ship signifies good luck
⦁ The world’s busiest homeport is the Port of Miami
Did you know that there was a 2008 report conducted of which about 10% of the passengers were in some way affected by a crime? Amongst all those crimes, 55% of those were cases involving sexual assault, 22% of those were cases involving physical assaults, 7% of those were cases involving homicides, and about 5% of those cases were about missing persons; passengers and cruise members.
Many of these crime incidents go unreported. Here are some statistics conducted by the FBI:
⦁ In a year, there are about 50 cases that are opened relating to crimes occurring at sea
⦁ Between 2002-2007, 46% of the crimes that were reported were related to members of the cruise ship
⦁ Between 2012-2014, there was a sum of 74 rape cases and 29 assaults that ended in severe bodily injury
It has been noted that Nassau Bahamas is actually one of the most dangerous places to travel to. There are over 30 murders per 100,000 people, compared to the US that is an average of 4.5 murders per 100,000 people. Many cruise ship passengers have been either been raped, robbed, and even killed when going a shore excursion in Bahamian capital city.
Drug trafficking is another issue that occurs within cruise ships. There are about 3 to 30 kilos of marijuana and cocaine smuggled each day.
These are some major disasters throughout history that have occurred to cruise ships:
⦁ Norwegian Dawn: Happened in 2005, a 70-foot wave hit the cruise ship and flooded 62 cabins
⦁ Celebrity Mercury: Happened in 2010, contained 2,600 passengers. There was a norovirus outbreak that affected 400 of those passengers, causing vomiting and gastrointestinal symptoms.
⦁ Seabourn Spirits: Happened in 2005, contained 300 passengers. The cruise ship was 100 miles off of the coast of Somalia. Pirates attacked by firing machined guns and grenades. Miraculously, no passengers were hurt.
These are just some disasters that have occurred on cruise ships. There have been many others with far worse devastating results.
What Are Some Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Ship Accidents?
Cruise ships are booked by millions of people every year. In fact, more than 11 million people go on cruises every year. With so many people in the presence of a cruise ship, when an injury occurs, many questions arise. Below will be some common questions that victims of cruise ships tend to ask:
Question: What are the most common injuries that people endure on cruises?
Answer: Cruise ships are a place where most people do not think an injury can happen, but it can. Statistics have shown that injuries on cruise ships do happen, and most of the time they are the cause of the crew members and cruise ships negligence. Some of those injuries include:
⦁ Slipping and Falling
⦁ Falling overboard
⦁ Being raped or sexually abused
⦁ Being robbed
⦁ Death
⦁ Medical mistakes
⦁ Drowning from pools and water parks
⦁ Food poisoning, and
⦁ More
Question: How could an excursion become dangerous?
Answer: Excursions are an exciting part of a cruise ship experience. A passenger gets to get off the cruise ship go on land in a country where they will sight-see and experience the difference in culture. Although this may be interesting, excursions can also be dangerous because passengers are stepping foot in an unknown land. People from different countries sometimes prey on the passengers of cruise ships. They will perform a malicious act on them to obtain either sexual satisfaction or monetary gain. Passengers thinking about going on excursions need to take safety measures.
Question: Why do cruise ship accidents happen?
Answer: The main reason why cruise ship accidents occur can be attributed to negligence by the cruise ship or crew members. When the appropriate safety measures are not taken by the cruise line people can sustain injuries. These are the following reason why they occur:
⦁ Not enough lighting present where people walk
⦁ Too much alcohol consumption
⦁ No slip-resistant mats in areas where it tends to get wet
⦁ Not enough training
⦁ Inadequate medical care
⦁ Improperly maintained equipment, and
⦁ More
Question: Why are cruise ship claims so complex?
Answer: The reason why cruise ship claims are so complex is because they revolve around many maritime laws, jurisdictions, and a multitude of parties who might be liable for the injuries. A legal counsel needs to be hired in the event that an accident occurs on a cruise ship because it would be nearly impossible for a person who does not comprehend maritime laws to try to file a claim on their own.
Question: How Can I Determine the worth of my personal injury case?
Answer: There is no set way to determine the exact amount that your case will be worth. Remember, every personal injury case that occurs on a cruise ship has different circumstances, factors, and evidence present. These elements can all serve as a way for the courts to see how much your case will be worth. Ultimately, it would be a professional maritime Miami lawyer from Percy Martinez Law Firm that will be able to gather up all the necessary information that you will need to provide you with a number to your claim.
Question: Do I have to let the cruise ship know that I am going to be filing a lawsuit against them?
Answer: This depends entirely on the provisions that are listed on your ticket and the requirements of the cruise line. Usually, the vast majority of cruise lines will require that you let them know about your injury and your intentions them bring on a lawsuit against them in just a small amount of time after it took place. Be sure to know when you are required to provide them with that information.
Maritime Miami Knowledgeable Cruise Ship Accident Lawyers
Going through any type of accident can be devastating. This is something that our skilled attorneys for cruise ship accidents in Miami at Percy Martinez Law Firm totally understand. We work extensively with our experts to determine the value of your case, how your injury happened, the negligence of the cruise ship, and to gather every other relevant information that will aid with you in having a successful claim for cruise ship injury. We want to see that the cruise ship pays for the negligence that they exercised which caused your injury. You deserve better and should have been free of harm during your time on the cruise ship.
References:
https://definitions.uslegal.com/r/reasonable-care/
https://www.cruise1st.co.uk/blog/cruise-ships/101-incredible-cruise-ship-facts/
https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1698
https://www.davidpollacklaw.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-suing-cruise-ships.html
https://www.google.com/search?q=CRUISE+SHIPS&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwia-sLrw8DgAhUwuVkKHeV5DcoQ_AUIDygC&biw=1920&bih=966#imgrc=-gkr64NNR-4UQM: – image
https://www.google.com/search?biw=1920&bih=966&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=BydoXLT6KseC5wK15Idw&q=CRUISE+SHIPS+accidents&oq=CRUISE+SHIPS+accidents&gs_l=img.3..0j0i24.169409.170543..170603…0.0..0.74.620.9……0….1..gws-wiz-img…….0i67j0i8i30.9QFuTLR86gY#imgrc=3oHufhY1jkmpgM: – image