When you go on a cruise, you can expect action and adventure, world-class entertainment, and opulent accommodations. Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) is one of the best in the business, with a fleet of ships all packed with fun. Unfortunately, injuries happen, even on cruise lines like NCL.
Norwegian Cruise Lines offers water parks, laser tag, ropes courses, and race tracks. These activities are a blast, but also present the chance for injury. You may struggle to understand how to get the compensation you need. A Norwegian Cruise Line injury lawyer can help.
At John Foy & Associates, our cruise ship injury lawyers know how to interpret the complicated laws governing cruise ship injuries. Since 2003, we have advocated for injured victims. Contact us today for a free consultation and tell us what happened.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Cruise Ship Injury Case?
When you are having a good time on a cruise, you may be tempted to ignore minor injuries. You don’t want to make a big deal of aches and pains when everyone else is having a good time. However, ignoring an injury could make it worse over time.
No matter how bad you think your injury is, it is important to get care aboard ship as soon as possible so you have documentation connecting your injury to your cruise. When you return from your vacation, contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand how to get compensation for any expenses you’ve incurred due to your injury.
Your attorney will understand how to approach your case and file the appropriate claims to cover your damages.
How Much Is a Norwegian Cruise Lines Injury Case Worth?
A cruise ship injury can be worth thousands of dollars, hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even more. Every case is different, and it depends on the extent of your injuries and damages. Your attorney can assess your case and determine fair compensation.
The laws governing cruise ships and accidents at sea can be complex. The methods of seeking compensation are not as obvious as they are on U.S. soil. This is one reason it is so important to hire a skilled attorney for Norwegian Cruise Line injuries.
Your attorney may need to refer to maritime law, the laws of the port of call you visited, or NCL’s regulations, as well as consider any waivers you agreed to. We can sort through it and discover how to get you the compensation you deserve for your economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
The expenses you have incurred because of your injuries and accident are easily calculated as they are attached to specific dollar amounts. These are known as economic damages, and they play a large part in your compensation. They may include:
- Your costs of treatments aboard ship or in port
- Your doctor bills when you return home
- Medications you require due to your injury
- The costs of physical and occupational therapy
- Lost wages because of your inability to work after your injury
- Future costs and expenses anticipated due to your injury
Non-Economic Damages
In some cases, you may also recover non-economic damages for the mental, social, and emotional tolls your injuries have taken. These may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
Your Norwegian Cruise Lines injury attorney can let you know if non-economic damages are recoverable in your specific case.
Common Cruise Ship Injuries
Norwegian Cruise Lines ships are loaded with opportunities to have fun. Some of those things also present a chance to get hurt. We can investigate your accident and determine liability. This can depend on how, where, and when your accident occurred.
Some of the most common causes of cruise ship injuries include:
Falls
Falls are common on cruise ships, especially at sea. Examples of common reasons for falls include:
- Wet decks in the pool area or slick decks during inclement weather can cause slips and falls that can result in serious injuries.
- Cruise ships are under constant maintenance, and areas where staff are working can present slipping and tripping hazards.
- Uneven decks can be hard to navigate when the ship is in motion at sea.
- Stairways can pose trip and fall hazards on cruise ships.
NCL is responsible for making sure dangerous areas are well marked and diverting passengers to safer spaces.
Onboard Activities
Cruise lines like NCL constantly devise wild activities for passengers. While there is always the risk of injury when participating in physical activities, the cruise line may be eligible if equipment fails or does not operate as planned, or if staff does not provide appropriate instructions.
Foodborne Illness
The food is one of the best things about cruising, and NCL doesn’t disappoint. However, errors can happen, and foodborne illness is always a concern on cruise ships. If contaminated food makes you sick, you may be entitled to compensation if staff failed to adhere to safety standards.
Shore Excursions
Most cruises offer the opportunity to disembark and enjoy various locations. NCL offers many such opportunities, such as tours, snorkeling, and beach excursions. Local companies may also offer planned activities for passengers.
Additionally, many cruise passengers prefer to explore on their own. They may rent scooters or personal watercraft, take taxis around town, or visit bars and restaurants that are off the beaten path. That means another party besides NCL could be liable for injuries.
Contact a Norwegian Cruise Line Injury Lawyer
Cruises are usually fun, and companies like Norwegian Cruise Line can take you on a vacation you will never forget. You want memories of fun, food, and adventure, but if you get hurt on your cruise, those memories may not be what you hoped for.
An injury on a cruise not only means the rest of your trip may be ruined; it can also mean you have weeks or months of recovery ahead of you when you get home. A Norwegian Cruise Line injury attorney can fight to protect your rights and get the compensation you need.
Our team at John Foy & Associates has over 350 years of combined experience advocating for injured victims. If you’ve been hurt on a cruise, contact us today for a free consultation and tell us your story.
