In Need of a Cruise Ship Injury Attorney in Fort Lauderdale?
Cruise ships can provide an excellent vacation and much-needed time to unwind. Unfortunately, they are also dangerous places for travelers and staff alike. Cruise ship companies must ensure the safety of everyone on board, but sometimes they fail to do so. Due to maritime law's complex and sometimes international specifics, seeking compensation for a cruise ship injury can be extremely difficult and confusing.
However, an experienced Fort Lauderdale cruise ship injury attorney understands these complexities and can use their knowledge and skills to fight for full compensation on your behalf. They handle several different types of injuries under maritime law.
What To Do after Being Involved in a Cruise Ship Accident?
After suffering a cruise ship injury, the steps you do or don't take can significantly impact your injury claim. If you sustain an injury, no matter how minor it might appear, seek medical attention immediately while still on the ship. File a formal incident or injury report with the boat staff. Get copies of this report and any medical records created by medical staff there. The bottom line is to get as much documentation as possible that will establish that your injury occurred on the boat and how it occurred.
Once you disembark, be sure to seek follow-up medical care for your cruise ship injury. Adhere to your doctor's instructions regarding physical restrictions and limitations, seeing other specialists, or coming back for follow-up visits. If you don't follow their instructions, it can make it seem like you aren't really that injured or don't care about your injury. You don't want to give anyone this impression, as it can severely jeopardize your claim.
Finally, contact a cruise ship injury lawyer to represent you. You will want to do this as soon as possible to ensure that the big cruise lines and their attorneys don't take advantage of you. Cruise ship lawyers are familiar with their tactics and can protect you from them.
Types of Cruise Ship Accidents and Injuries in Fort Lauderdale
A lot can happen on a cruise ship, and injuries abound. Some of the most common types of cruise ship accidents and injuries include the following:
- Crimes such as physical or sexual assault
- Slip and falls
- Communicable illnesses
- Food poisoning
- Fires
- Lifeboat accidents
- Injuries from onboard activities
- Injuries from on-shore excursions
- Drownings or near-drownings
- Amputations
- Internal bleeding
- Concussions or other traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
- Broken bones or fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Burns
- Cuts and scrapes
- Bruising
- Psychological injuries
- Wrongful death
Hire a Cruise Ship Injury Attorney Before It's Too Late
Unfortunately, many who are injured on cruise ships don't understand that under maritime law, they have a time limit of only three years from the date of their injury to file an injury claim. Therefore, hiring a well-versed attorney as soon as possible is imperative. Your top Fort Lauderdale cruise ship injury attorney will know how to navigate your claim to ensure you get the best settlement possible for your injuries.
