What to Do if You Are Injured on a Cruise Ship

No one expects to be injured while on vacation.  Unfortunately, cruise ship and travel accidents are relatively common occurrences. What should you do if you sustain an injury on a cruise ship? Don’t panic – we’ve developed a list of instructions for you to follow after a cruise ship accident.

Report the Incident

If you are injured on a cruise ship, immediately report the accident to the appropriate crew members. Cruise ships have certain protocols for accident investigations and are required to report the incident to the appropriate United States police or authorities.

Make sure you collect a copy of all report documents and verify that crew promptly reported the incident. If the crew failed to do so, you may have difficulty filing a personal injury claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Whether it seems minor or severe, it is important to seek medical attention after sustaining an injury on a cruise ship.

Medical professionals on cruise ships must adhere to the same medical standards as medical professionals on land, which means you can trust that your health and wellness will be in good hands when you’re treated on board a cruise liner.

Additionally, receiving medical attention creates documentation that your injury was directly associated with the accident.

If you choose to wait until you return to the U.S., a cruise ship company or insurance company might claim the injury did not exist prior to you seeking medical attention; they may try to insinuate that you are exaggerating the accident.

Document Everything

Although cruise ship companies are required to investigate the accident, you must remember that they are conducting their investigation as if they will be using it as a defense in court. As such, you should do the same.

Personally document the time, date, and details of the accident, and take pictures where the accident occurred. Collect contact information of witnesses, including crew members.

A crew member’s testimony claiming the accident is a reoccurring problem can be a powerful tool during a lawsuit.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Once you are safely back on land, there is a time limit for filing a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim can be found on the back of your cruise ticket and is often 6 months from the day of your return to the U.S.

As such, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help analyze the details of your report, look at the specifics regarding the cruise ship’s investigation policies, and help you pursue an injury claim.

Our Denver Travel Accident Lawyer Can Fight for You – (303) 732-5048

At Gerash Steiner & Blanton, P.C., we understand the difficulty involved with filing a personal injury claim, especially against a cruise ship company. Our firm aims to represent you and help you fight these large companies.

We are highly rated for our work in personal injury and have experience in a number of travel and cruise chip claims. You should not have to suffer from an injury caused by someone else’s negligence. Contact our firm today.

Contact Gerash Steiner & Blanton, P.C. to discuss your case with a Denver travel accident attorney. We work on a contingency basis and offer free consultations.