The cruise ship industry is active and vibrant in the state of Florida. Thousands of people board cruise ships, either as passengers or crew members, with the expectation of having a safe and enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. In fact, many people wind up suffering serious, debilitating injuries aboard cruise ships. If this has happened to you or a loved one, keep reading.
Steps That Must Be Taken if You Are Hurt on a Cruise Ship
First, get immediate medical attention at the ship infirmary and get off the ship as soon as you can so you can properly assess the damage. Second, report the incident to the ship safety and security officer or other crew members. Third, get the names of any crew personnel and/or passengers who helped you and get a copy of any incident forms and/or reports that may need to be filled out. Fourth, take photos or record the scene of where your injury occurred. Why? Many cruise ships do not keep video recordings for very long, and this can significantly help your claim. Fifth, when you get back home, provide written notice that you intend to file a claim against the cruise ship, or its controlling entity, pursuant to the express time limitations provided on the back of your cruise ticket. Finally, contact a Florida cruise ship accident lawyer to set up a time to meet for a free case analysis.