Cruise vacations combine action, adventure, plush hotel accommodations, and world-class cuisine in one package. It’s hard to think of a cruise line that does it better than Royal Caribbean. However, even a leader in the cruise industry sees its share of problems.
Onboard features such as the FlowRider® wave simulator, RipCord® skydiving simulator, zip lines, rock-climbing walls, and bumper cars are great fun, but injuries can happen. If you’ve been hurt, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship injury lawyer can help.
At John Foy & Associates, our cruise ship injury lawyers understand the complicated laws surrounding cruise ship injuries. Since 1999, we’ve fought for the rights of injured victims like you. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help.
Do You Need a Lawyer if You are Injured on a Cruise Ship?
If you have been hurt while on a cruise vacation, you may brush it off and try to forget about it. You don’t want your vacation memories to revolve around something negative. However, by doing so, you may be causing yourself hardship for weeks or months to come.
After any injury, it is wise to contact a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. We understand the laws and regulations that govern cruise ships and can advise you on how to proceed.
Your expenses after a cruise ship injury can add up fast, and you might even lose time at work during your recovery. A Royal Caribbean cruise ship injury attorney can help you get the compensation you need to get back on your feet. Don’t ignore your injury!
Common Cruise Ship Injuries
Many of the things that make cruising so much fun also present the potential for injury. Your lawyer will investigate the circumstances of your injury and determine who was liable. This can be complicated and often depends on where the injury occurred.
Slips and Trips
Cruise ships offer numerous opportunities for falls, and this may be the number one cause of onboard injuries. This includes:
- Wet and slippery decks in the pool area
- Slick decks during rainy weather
- Areas where staff is cleaning the floor or hosing down equipment
- Uneven deck areas
- Stairways
In most of these situations, Royal Caribbean is responsible for properly identifying potentially dangerous areas and diverting passengers to safer areas.
Onboard Activities
Royal Caribbean offers rock climbing, bumper cars, wave surfing, zip lines, basketball courts, enormous waterslides, and more onboard their various ships. If you are injured during one of these activities, your lawyer will seek to discover the reason.
Yes, physical activities have some inherent risks, but when equipment malfunctions, the crew fails to provide adequate instructions or safety protocols are disregarded, you may have a case against Royal Caribbean.
Foodborne Illness
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean offer amazing cuisine. Dining rooms serve multiple meals per day to thousands of passengers. As good as the food is, it only takes one illness outbreak to impact an entire ship.
If you became sick as a result of contaminated food, you may be entitled to compensation if your attorney determines it was due to negligent handling or preparation by the cruise staff.
Shore Activities
Injuries that occur off the ship can be especially challenging when it comes to getting the compensation you need, which is why a skilled lawyer is so important. If you were hurt on a shore excursion, the shore excursion company, Royal Caribbean, or both may be liable.
In some cases, your attorney will need to decipher the laws of the port of call where the injury occurred. This is particularly true when you are hurt while exploring on your own or participating in activities not sanctioned by Royal Caribbean or one of the shore excursion partners.
How Much is a Royal Caribbean Injury Case Worth?
One of the reasons it is so important to consult with an attorney when you have been injured on a cruise is the complex rules and regulations that govern cruise ships. Unfortunately, this often makes seeking compensation more complicated than for cases on U.S. soil.
Depending on how and where your injury occurred, you may be dealing with maritime law, the laws of a specific port of call, regulations for the cruise ship itself, and any waivers you may have agreed to.
Your cruise ship injury lawyer handling Royal Caribbean Cruises will understand how to sort it all out and get you the compensation you deserve. As with most cases, we will seek economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Your economic damages are those with a monetary value. While every case is different, this may include:
- Infirmary or doctor costs while aboard ship
- Medical costs when you return home, such as doctor visits, medications, and physical therapy
- Future medical costs as a result of your cruise ship injury
- Lost wages in cases where you are unable to work due to your injury
- Projected future earnings when you are not able to return to work
- Property damage when your personal items are damaged or destroyed
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages usually don’t involve a dollar amount, and they are only available in certain cases. They include things like:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your attorney can advise you on whether non-economic damages can be part of your compensation package.
Contact a Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Injury Attorney
Cruise vacations are supposed to be fun, and they usually are. Top-tier companies like Royal Caribbean offer their passengers countless ways to make the most of their time onboard. Unfortunately, sometimes, passengers experience injuries.
Falls, accidents, and illnesses can not only sideline you for the length of your cruise but impact your life for weeks or months into the future. A Royal Caribbean cruise ship injury attorney can help you understand your rights and fight to get the compensation you deserve.
At John Foy & Associates, our team has over 350 years of combined experience standing up for people in need. If you have been injured on a cruise ship, contact us today for a free consultation.
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