If you were injured on a cruise ship, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. This can help you recover money for your injuries, medical expenses and the money you lost if you were unable to work. However, filing a claim with a cruise ship is a bit different than filing a claim when you are on land. Here is what you need to know if you are injured on a cruise ship. 

Common Injuries

There are many common types of injuries that you can sustain on a cruise ship that you may be able to file a personal injury claim for. This includes falling down a staircase, slipping and falling on deck, tripping over a threshold or being assaulted by crew members or other guests that crew members should have known were violent or belligerent.

Determining Fault

In order to file a claim, you must be able to show that the cruise line is responsible for your injuries. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to do on a cruise ship. While cruise lines are responsible for the actions of their employees and agents, many have staff members who are independent contractors, such as nurses and doctors, who are not protected. Additionally, the problem that caused your injuries can be corrected before the ship docks, making it difficult to prove. As such, you will always need to hire a lawyer to investigate your claim for you.

 

Lawsuit Differences

It is also important to understand that filing a claim with a cruise ship is different than other personal injury lawsuits because you may be governed or limited by maritime law, federal regulations and contractual agreements with the cruise ship. When you buy a ship ticket, you may have entered into a contract that limits your rights to file a lawsuit against the company. Once you board the ship, you are stating that you agree to their terms.

Report the Incident

Following an accident, you will need to protect your rights by reporting the incident immediately. However, be very careful about what you say and write during the investigation. If you accept any fault or responsibility for the incident, it can harm your case.

Obtain Evidence

Lastly, following the accident, be sure to obtain evidence. This includes gathering the name of witnesses, such as other guests and crew members. They can help to corroborate your story in the future. Also be sure to take photos of the accident area, as the crew may repair the area or clean up spills to prevent further injuries. Being able to document what happened can go a long way in helping you to win your case.

If you are injured on a cruise ship, you need to hire an attorney who can assist you. Here at Mukerji Law Firm, we are highly experienced in dealing with cruise ship injuries and understand how to win them. Contact us today for a free consultation to sit down with one of our attorneys to discuss your case.