Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Injuries: Common Cruise Ship Negligence
Most people go on cruises to enjoy a relaxing vacation. However, sometimes an accident occurs. As it would seem, slip and fall accidents are the most common type of accident aboard cruise ships. The motion of the seas combined with already slippery decks and crowded areas create instances in which slip and falls inevitably occur.
These accidents often times leave passengers with a wide range of injuries, from benign sprains to serious injuries such as broken bones or muscle tears.
Difference Between Accident and Cruise Ship Negligence
Some accidents are just that, accidental, and no one is to blame. However, there are some accidents that happen due to the negligence of the cruise line or its agents, employees and/or servants. When a passenger has suffered an injury due to the negligence of the cruise line, the cruise line becomes liable for the passenger’s injury and can be held accountable for the passenger’s medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages from missed work, future earning capacity and even future medical treatment.
Cruise Lines Duty of Care
Pursuant to general maritime law, the Supreme Court in Kermarec v. Compagnie Generale Transatlantique, 358 U.S. 625 (1959), held that shipowners owe a duty to exercise reasonable care for the safety of its passengers. Cruise lines must exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. These accidents can happen anywhere on the ship, from your initial steps onto the ship during embarkation, and even leaving the ship once you return to the port.
Accidents can occur near the pool, dining rooms, bathrooms, public walkways, and any other areas where passengers have access. (Cruise lines may even be held negligent if a passenger slips and falls during a shore excursion.)
Cause of Slip and Fall Cruise Ship Accidents
While not an exhaustive list, the following are common types of causes of slip and fall accidents, most of which our Firm has handled and continue to handle:
- Overcrowded common areas
- Recently mopped, cleaned or waxed floors
- Food trays in hallways
- Crowded hallways
- Wet or slipper decks
- Luggage left in hallways
- Cleaning supplies left in hallways
- Broken or unsteady handrails
- Damaged or ripped carpeting
- Defective equipment
- Food dropped on floors
Often times passengers aren’t concerned about bringing a lawsuit after they have been injured on a cruise. However, as discussed in a previous post cruise lines can mandate that claims are brought within a year of the accident. As a maritime personal injury Firm, we press upon our clients that they need to immediately speak with an attorney to discuss their slip and fall case.
If you or a loved one have slipped and fallen and suffered an injury on a cruise? Contact an experienced maritime personal injury attorney immediately. For a free consultation and case evaluation Chase Justice Injury Attorneys at our Miami office (305) 677-2228 or contact us online.
