Cruise Ship Slip and Falls

With the convenience, easy planning, and versatility, cruises are a popular vacation choice in California. However, with the luxury and excitement of cruise vacations come hazards that travelers may not consider.

Of the many potential dangers on a cruise ship, slips and falls are one of the most common accidents that can occur. From slippery desks to numerous obstacles and crowds, passengers are at a high risk of slipping and falling on board. The risk of falls is heightened by the constant motion of the ship, which can cause even the most agile traveler to lose their footing.

Slip and falls can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma. Our reliable San Francisco slip and fall lawyers can help you navigate an injury claim with the cruising company and seek restitution for your injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident on a cruise ship, contact The Cartwright Law Firm for the legal support you need to ensure justice is served and your financial recovery is secured.

California Law on Cruise Ship Accidents

There is federal and state legislation that protects people injured on cruise ships. Cruise ships operate under “maritime law,” which outlines jurisdictional rules and establishes the rules for cruise ship companies’ liability.

Meanwhile, California law treats cruise lines as common carriers and expects them to exercise the utmost care and diligence in ensuring the safety of their passengers. This duty of care applies throughout your trip, from embarkation to the final destination, and covers everything from the condition of the vessel to the behavior of crew members.

When a cruise ship company, crew member, or another passenger breaches its duty of care and causes injury to a passenger as a result of negligent or reckless behavior, the victim may be entitled to compensation.

Liability in Cruise Ship Slip and Fall

When it comes to liability in cruise ship cases, it is essential to understand that the cruise ship company has a duty of care to ensure the safety of its passengers. This duty of care includes providing a safe environment free from hazards and dangers, as well as properly maintaining the ship. If the cruise line fails to meet its obligation, it may be held liable for any injuries sustained by passengers.

In slip-and-fall accidents, liability is typically easy to identify but difficult to prove. Based on where and how your slip and fall occurred, you will need to provide evidence as to how the cruise ship company could have avoided the incident.

Cruise ship companies are known to fight liability vigorously to avoid paying out claims and protect their reputation. However, our skilled slip-and-fall attorneys are committed to our clients and work tirelessly to provide ample evidence that demonstrates liability.

Wet Flooring

Passengers may slip and fall on wet and slippery surfaces, such as pool decks or dining areas. Cruise lines have a responsibility to provide non-slip surfaces in areas where water is typically present or to post warning signs to alert passengers to potential dangers. Failure to do so can result in the cruise line being held liable for any slip and fall injuries sustained by passengers.

Staircases and Uneven Floor

Multi-level cruise ships have numerous staircases, and poorly maintained or poorly lit stairwells can be a significant hazard. Additionally, doorways on cruise ships often contain a step-up or threshold that helps keep areas airtight. The crew has a responsibility to warn passengers of the existence of these thresholds.

It is the cruise line’s responsibility to ensure the safety of passengers by providing proper lighting, non-slip surfaces, and handrails. Any failure to provide these safety features may result in the cruise line being held liable for any injuries sustained in a fall down a staircase or on uneven ground.

Rough Seas

If a slip and fall incident is due to rough seas on a cruise ship, the liability of the cruise ship company depends on several factors. To prove negligence, the injured party must show that the cruise line knew, or should have known, of the rough seas and failed to take sufficient action to protect passengers. This could include failing to extend stabilizers or failing to close areas of the ship that were more hazardous. The plaintiff must also demonstrate that the rough seas were an unreasonable danger under the circumstances.

With our team of experienced injury attorneys and the proper evidence, you can prove liability in your slip and fall case. By gathering photos, videos, incident reports, witness statements, and more, we can demonstrate how the cruise ship company failed to prevent the incident from occurring.

Time Limit To File A Cruise Ship Injury Claim

If you sustained an injury from a slip and fall on a cruise ship, it is important to be aware of the time limit to file an injury claim. While the personal injury statute of limitation in California is two years, most cruise ship contracts require a written notice of injury to be submitted within six months of the incident.

This strict time constraint means that you must act quickly if you believe you have a claim against the cruise ship company. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the forfeiture of any right to compensation or settlement. Although there are exceptions, it is best to act immediately after becoming injured on a cruise ship.

How Our Slip and Fall Lawyers Can Help

At The Cartwright Law Firm, we understand the difficulties you may face when dealing with a cruise ship slip and fall case. Our experienced San Francisco slip and fall lawyers specialize in cruise ship accident cases and can help you seek restitution for your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages.

We are familiar with the laws and regulations specific to maritime law and will work tirelessly to prove liability and negotiate optimal compensation for your claim. With our help, you can take control of your situation and find the justice you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our dedicated personal injury lawyers.