Pool Injuries on a Cruise
Today’s cruise ships are truly amazing. Many are equipped with multiple pools, spas, movie theaters, and even hospitals to treat injuries and emergency medical conditions that arise on board. Many of these injuries occur in or around pools and other swimming areas. But did you know that injured passengers have a right to be compensated for injuries caused by the cruise line’s negligence.
Under federal maritime law, when a cruise ship company or its workers create a hazardous environment leading to injuries, the victims have a right to pursue compensation, regardless of what state they may originally come from. Here is what every cruise ship passenger should know about pool injuries.
5 Common On-board Pool Injuries
Injuries can happen in many parts of a cruise ship, but when it comes to the pool area, these are just 5 of the more common types of injuries:
- Falls – Poor supervision and irresponsible alcohol service can lead to preventable falls and injuries.
- Broken bones – Improper labeling or depth disclosures can lead to serious injuries, including muscle tears and broken bones, and in extreme cases paralysis.
- Drowning – Among the most serious of all pool-related injuries, drownings can also occur. Most cruise line pools do not have life guards or other individuals supervising the activities in and around the pool.
- Head traumas – A slip and fall injury in or around a pool deck can result in serious head trauma.
- Cuts and lacerations – We don’t generally think of cuts and lacerations when talking about pools, but sharp objects protruding from lounge chairs, tables and other items around the pool can cause serious injuries.
Compensation Available for Cruise Ship Injuries
After a cruise line accident or injury, you may be able to seek compensation for:
- Your pain and suffering
- Medical bills you’ve incurred as a result of your injuries
- Medical expenses you’ve incurred for an injured child
- Emotional distress caused by your injury
- Loss of income from missing work
- Loss of future earning capacity
When You Lose a Loved One in a Cruise Injury
If you’ve lost a loved one due to a cruise lines negligence, while on the high seas outside state territorial waters, you may also be able to seek compensation through the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), a federal maritime law designed to compensate the survivors who lose loved ones at sea. A serious and fatal injury on a cruise ship can sometimes be brought under both state and federal law, depending on where the injury occurred and other facts of the case.
How to Get Compensated for Injuries
The first step should always be to seek competent emergency medical care. Many cruise line companies provide emergency care on board, but you should still seek the opinion and treatment of a healthcare professional back at home, once you are off the ship. Make sure that you report injuries while still on board the cruise, and keep copies of all paperwork you are given. If possible, take pictures of everything you think could help. Finally, call an experienced maritime injury lawyer right away.
At the office of Michael F. Guilford, P.A., we aggressively pursue justice for injured cruise ship passengers. We never take an attorney fee unless we collect compensation for your injuries, so call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Miami maritime lawyer who can help.
Resource:
uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title46/subtitle3/chapter303&edition=prelim
