What to do if you get Injured on a Cruise Ship?

Vacation on a cruise ship is one of the most exciting and adventurous experiences ever. Modern cruise ships feature all kinds of luxuries and fun activities to keep guests entertained, so you are definitely in for a treat, especially if this is your first maritime trip. While you are bound to make some wonderful memories, it is imperative to be prepared for any potential mishaps. Accidents can happen anytime without warning, whether you are on land or at sea. Offshore accidents are a bit different than those that happen on land, which can create a lot of confusion and challenges.

There are various kind of injuries that can happen on a ship when you are surrounded by miles and miles of deep water. Cruise ships usually have at least one doctor on board along with a few nurses and paramedics. They are able to provide immediate medical treatment for minor to moderate injuries and illnesses. However, if your injuries are severe or you are in a life threatening situation that cannot be resolved by the ship crew, you will be transferred to the nearest hospital on shore as soon as possible.

Injuries could be sustained from action packed activities like water zip lining, something simple like a slip and fall accident on deck, or because of a violent incident, such as assault by another person on the ship. In case of water sports, cruisers are typically required to sign an ‘assumption of risk’ form, which releases the cruise owners from liability of probable accidents. No matter what the case, here’s what you need to do:

1. Report the Incident

Similar to any other personal injury case, the accident should be reported and documented. The cruise administration should be informed immediately, and they must have an emergency management system in place that operates according to the rules of the International Maritime Organization. Do not take the accident lightly; approach local authorities if you are at a port or dock.

2. Seek Medical Help

Your health and wellbeing is most important, so accept or demand medical attention even if the incurred injury seems minor. You may initially not feel the pain or realize the extent of injury due to shock. Some injury effects develop over time, or cannot be observed externally.

3. Speak Carefully

Be careful of what you say to the employees and fellow travelers on the ship. If you say things like ‘I am fine’, or ‘the accident was my fault’, it might hurt your case. These statements might sound trivial or meaningless at the time, but they can defy your claim for compensation in the future. You can either refrain from talking about the accident or limit yourself to stating obvious facts.

4. Investigate and Collect Evidence

The cruise management will conduct an investigation of their own to determine the cause and liabilities of the accident. They will try to conjure evidence that helps them avoid a payout in case you file a claim or lawsuit. You should carry out an investigation of your own in order to collect evidence that supports a negligence claim.

5. Hire a Lawyer Hiring Maritime Attorney in Pensacola, FL, is in your best interests while dealing with injuries caused in an offshore accident. They are well versed in maritime laws and are able to find loopholes in legal documents pertaining to liability. You can get the compensation you deserve and stop perpetrators from getting away with misconduct.

John Adams writes about travel and best for He encourages his readers to improve their quality of life by incorporating positive and good things. As he loves to share his insight about life experiences, he has contribute on various online platform in