Getting hurt as a result of someone else’s negligence could make you eligible for compensation. However, a special approach to damage recovery is required after sustaining an injury on a cruise ship. As a maritime injury lawyer could explain, the unusual circumstances and unique laws surrounding seafaring injuries are just a few of the factors affecting the claims process.
An experienced Cypress cruise ship accident lawyer could help you handle all the nuances of such a case and receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Cruise Ship Accidents
Cruise ship passengers often expect a safe environment that ensures their relaxation. However, in many cases, negligence compromises this safety. Some of the most common cruise ship accidents include:
- Food poisoning due to unsanitary kitchen conditions and norovirus outbreaks
- Slip and fall accidents caused by wet decks, poorly maintained flooring, and inadequate lighting
- Tender boat accidents occurring while boarding or disembarking from smaller boats used for transportation to shore
- Fires and mechanical failures caused by poorly maintained equipment and electrical issues
- Assault and crimes due to inadequate security, poor surveillance, and staff negligence
- Swimming pool and drowning accidents caused by a lack of lifeguards, slippery pool decks, and defective safety equipment
- Falling overboard due to inadequate railings or lack of proper supervision
Accidents can also occur during shore excursions, but can be hard to navigate since they involve the matter of jurisdiction. An experienced cruise ship accident lawyer in Cypress could help identify damage recovery opportunities regardless of an accident’s complexities.
Crew Member Incidents
People who work on cruise ships are also susceptible to many injuries. Accidents often occur due to inadequate training, malfunctioning equipment, and hazardous work environments.
For example, cruise ship passengers often request crew members carry heavy luggage. This, in turn, results in back injuries. Unfortunately, crew members often do not receive proper medical care onboard, leading to long-term damage.
Crew members are protected by several laws after being injured on the job. Depending on the circumstances of their case, workers could receive compensation under the Jones Act or Longshore Harbor and Workers’ Compensation Act.
Additionally, notifying your employer on time after being injured on the job can make a difference between a straightforward claim and a complex case. A knowledgeable cruise ship attorney from Cypress could help identify which laws apply in your case and ensure a proper claim filing procedure that meets all necessary deadlines.
Damages to Recover
Injured cruise ship passengers and crew members could recover several types of damages, including economic, non-economic, and wrongful death. The final payout amount depends on many factors, such as evidence quality, applicable law(s), and the skills of an attorney.
Consult a Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer in Cypress Today
Accidents on cruise ships can be serious, resulting in catastrophic injuries and even fatalities. Whether you are a crew member or passenger, you could have the right to recover damages. To get the money you deserve, work with a skilled Cypress cruise ship accident lawyer.
The attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris have many years of experience helping people who sustained injuries on cruise ships receive fair compensation. Call us for a free case evaluation today.
