What Happens In A Florida Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Accident
One of the most common ways passengers and crew members are injured on cruise ships are slip and fall accidents. There are many ways they can occur; an open deck, in a restaurant, by the pool, in bathrooms… Some common reasons for slip and falls on cruise ships include slippery deck surfaces, spilled substances, and dangerous flooring materials. Often, slip and fall cases occur on cruise ships during vessel floor maintenance and routine ship housekeeping such as buffing or waxing marble floors. Many accidents and hazards are due to crew member or passenger negligence, like water tracked in by guests or spilled drinks. Over the years, our firm has helped many passengers who were seriously injured in slip and fall accidents on cruises. Cruise lines have millions of dollars and legal teams on retainer specifically to minimize any compensation that an injured victim may deserve. That is why you need an experienced cruise ship accident attorney on your side to get the compensation you deserve if you were injured in a slip and fall while aboard a cruise ship.
Why Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Accidents Are Common
A cruise ship not only has the same kinds of slip and fall hazards as any shore or land-based environment, but also a host of other potential safety hazards inherent to a seafaring vessel. Some marine-related hazards include sea spray, salt water, and water tracked into high traffic areas from pools. Cruise ship slip and falls may also be caused by negligent maintenance, negligent maintenance, or poorly maintained flooring surfaces. Severe weather on the rough seas may also cause accidents.
Common Causes Of Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents On Cruise Ships:
- Slippery surfaces
- Wet, foreign, or transitory substances
- Failing to utilize slip resistant materials, non-slip strips, or mats
- Cracked, damaged, broken ties or uneven floor surfaces
- Tripping hazards like damaged carpeting and floors
- Gangway incidents
- Failure to correctly maintain common areas
- Raised metal nosing or bunched carpeting on steps and stairways
- Failing to warn of a known danger
- Crew member creating a slip and fall hazard
Cruise Line Negligence And Liability
Cruise line operators under federal maritime law owe a duty of reasonable care to their passengers. Cruise line operators and employees are legally responsible for keeping all common areas in a safe condition and clearly marking any hazardous areas. However, how and what constitutes reasonable care is dependent on several factors, such as offering verbal or visual warnings to safeguard a dangerous area. Foreign substances often spill in common areas, and if the operators had prior knowledge of the dangerous conditions they have a legal obligation to correct it and warn passengers. Another factor involved in cruise ship slip and fall accident cases is the number of previous slip and fall incidents. The plaintiff must establish the cruise line’s prior knowledge of previous dangers, potential dangers, and how they failed to provide reasonable care.
Common Cruise Ship Slip & Fall Injuries:
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Orthopedic injuries
- Fractures requiring surgery
- Injured ligaments and tendons
- Brain injuries and concussions
- Injuries to extremities such as hands, wrists,and knees
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations and contusions
Contact Us Today
If you are the victim of a slip and fall on a cruise ship, immediately document the condition and get the information of any witnesses present. Call BCN Law Firm to speak with an experienced cruise ship accident attorney today.
