Taking a cruise can be a wonderful adventure that also allows you to kick back and relax. You get the excitement of traveling to new places and seeing new things with the comfort of having the cruise line take care of everything for you.
That doesn’t mean that cruises are perfect, though. Before you step onboard, be prepared. There are risks that come with going on a cruise and sailing on a cruise ship. People get sick. They get injured.
Knowing what to expect can help you stay safe.
Be Safe on Your Cruise by Preparing for These Four Dangers
Read through the following common cruise ship injuries and take the necessary steps to avoid them during your vacation:
Slip and Falls. Between the sets of stairs, the pools, and the numerous restaurants onboard, there are all kinds of reasons why you might slip and fall while on the ship. Slip and fall accidents account for almost half of all injuries onboard cruises, and a majority of injuries onshore.
Passengers are most likely to experience injuries on the lower body and develop open wounds as a result. Some slip and falls, however, can cause broken bones or traumatic brain injuries. If you slip and fall on a cruise ship, don’t be afraid to see the doctor onboard.
How To Stay Safe: Be cautious when you are walking around the cruise ship. Don’t run, and be aware of your alcohol intake. If you see spills or splashes around the cruise ship, alert crewmembers so the area can be cleaned up or dried.
Onshore Excursion Injuries. Traveling to new places often comes with the opportunity to try new things and go on exciting adventures. Cruise ships often offer excursions like paragliding, ziplining, or bungee jumping to make trips extra memorable. All of these adventures, however, come with their own risks.
How to Stay Safe: Do your research. Read reviews of the company that is setting up the adventure. Read the fine print for each excursion so you know what you are getting into, and who is liable in case of an injury. If you’re uncomfortable when you reach an excursion, do not feel bad backing out.
Medical negligence. If you are hurt or sick on a cruise, you should absolutely seek out medical attention. However, be wary. Cruise ship doctors are not necessarily held to the same standards as we are used to here in the U.S. If you are not treated correctly or are subjected to delays in treatment, it can cause additional problems that would not have occurred with competent medical care.
How to Stay Safe: Seek medical attention immediately on the ship after an injury, but also check in with your doctor after you get home.
Assaults. Assault onboard is less common than other types of cruise ship injuries, but more common than you might think. Anyone could commit assault onboard, but if a crewmember is responsible for the violence, the cruise line may be held liable. These cases aren’t always easy to investigate, however, so victims should contact ship or legal authorities immediately after the assault has occurred.
In rare cases, assaults may result in a missing person on a cruise ship. Over 165 people went missing on cruise ships between 1995 and 2011. Common theories for missing persons include suicide and accidental drowning, but some of these cases may have been caused by another person onboard.
How to Stay Safe: Before you go on a cruise, make sure you have a cruise buddy throughout the trip. If you see suspicious activity, or feel uncomfortable around a cruise ship staff member, talk to authorities on the ship.
If You Are Injured on a Cruise Ship
Cruise ship injuries can certainly inconvenience you onboard, and will become even worse after getting your first medical bills onshore. If you have been injured to a crew member or the cruise line’s negligence, get on the phone with a Florida cruise ship accident lawyer.
About the Author:
Andrew Winston is a partner at the personal injury law firm of Winston Law. For over 20 years, he has successfully represented cruise victims who have suffered all kinds of injuries and illnesses due to negligence. He has been recognized for excellence in the representation of injured clients by admission to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, is AV Preeminent Rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, enjoys a 10.0 rating by AVVO as a Top Personal Injury Attorney, has been selected as a Florida “SuperLawyer” from 2011-2017 – an honor reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the state – and was voted to Florida Trend’s “Legal Elite” and as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Florida and one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the Miami area for 2015, 2016, and 2017.
