Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys
Legal advocacy when you’re injured in slip and fall on a cruise ship
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of injury on cruise ships. The cruise lines have a duty to exercise reasonable care, and cruise passengers expect that the ship's premises and amenities will be appropriately maintained for their safe use. However, wet, slippery decks, a limited number of lifeguards, and several other risk factors make cruise ships uniquely prone to slip and fall accidents.
The slip and fall attorneys at Hickey Law Firm have decades of experience holding cruise ships accountable. Firm founder John H. (Jack) Hickey is double board-certified by The Florida Bar in Civil Trial and Admiralty and Maritime law. We understand the complexities of these cases, are well-versed in laws specific to cruise ship liability, and have the resources and tenacity to help our clients get the justice they deserve. Schedule a consultation with us today to find out how we can assist you with your case.
WAS A LAWYER FOR THE CRUISE LINES. NOW A LAWYER FOR YOU ®
Free Consultation
Fee is Free - You Don't Pay Unless We Win
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do cruise ship slip and fall accidents happen?
The majority of slip and fall accidents on cruise ships occur on the Lido or Pool Deck. Many modern cruise ship decks have resin flooring manufactured by any one of three or four companies. This resin material is less prone to cracking and separating when the steel deck underneath expands or contracts. However, a small amount of water can make this resin material slick and dangerous.
Besides the dangers of poorly maintained Lido Decks, slip and fall accidents also occur because of:
- Inadequate lighting
- Failure to repair or replace stair railings
- Failure to repair worn-down non-skid deck surfaces
- Cruise ship swaying and movements
Gangways and tender boats are also common locations for slip and fall accidents. Some injuries may also be caused by design and construction defects on the ship.
The cruise ship attorneys at Hickey Law Firm can investigate to determine how and why your accident and injuries occurred.
WAS A LAWYER FOR THE INSURANCE COMPANIES. NOW A LAWYER FOR YOU.
What types of injuries happen from cruise ship slip and falls?
Slip and fall is the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and that’s no different when you’re at sea. In fact, slip and falls may be even MORE likely on a ship because of the rough waters, the wet floors, and other factors unique to cruises. Along with TBIs, slips, trips and falls can lead to:
- Neck and back trauma
- Spinal cord injury
- Nerve damage
- Compound fractures
- Head trauma
- Knee and hip trauma
- Blurry vision
- Sprains and strains
While less common, a slip and all could also be fatal.
How do I know if I have a cruise ship slip and fall case?
If you slipped and fell during a cruise, the cruise line is not automatically responsible for any injuries you sustain. As with any slip and fall case, certain factors must be met. These factors may be based on the terms and conditions of your Passenger Ticket Contract (which also indicates where you can file a claim against a cruise line), and can include issues such as:
- Whether an unsafe condition existed on the ship, such as broken piece of flooring or a loose handrail;
- Whether the crise line knew that the unsafe condition existed;
- Whether the cruise line failed to warn you about the unsafe condition; and
- Whether your injury was the direct result of that unsafe condition.
For example, say you are walking toward the buffet when you trip on a broken piece of tile and fall, fracturing your knee. If the cruise line knew the tile was broken and posed a hazard yet did nothing to warn you about it, then it could be held liable for your injuries. The same is true if, for example, you are attacked on your way to your room. If there is no lighting or security nearby and the cruise line was aware that the path was dangerous, then it could be held liable.
However, if a crew member is mopping the floor and has placed “wet floor” signs around the area, then the cruise line is likely protected from liability. Much will be determined when we look at the evidence of your case, like surveillance videos and incident reports.
NOT FOR EVERYONE. FOR YOU, THE SERIOUSLY INJURED.
How much time do I have to bring a claim against a cruise line?
The statute of limitations for bringing a claim against a cruise line is one year from the date of injury (for adults).
However, federal statute 46 USC Sec. 30508 extends that time line to three years in certain cases, such as those involving wrongful death or certain sexual assault crimes. It is important that you file within the right time frame, so call Hickey Law Firm as soon as you can to get started.
How can a cruise ship injury attorney help?
Time is not on your side when you suffer an injury on a cruise ship, so hiring the right attorney is a critical step on your path to justice. Hickey Law Firm will not only review any evidence of your injury and the cruise line’s wrongdoing, but also your medical records and your employment records. This helps us build a more robust case to present to a jury or during negotiations with an insurance company.
Because make no mistake – the cruise lines will come with high-powered lawyers on their side, to try to deny liability. You deserve a team of cruise ship injury attorneys who can fight back for you. Hickey Law Firm has a national reputation for the work it does on behalf of the injured; let us guide you.
Cruise ship slip and fall attorneys serving the country
The attorneys at Hickey Law Firm have decades of experience holding cruise ships accountable. We understand the complexities of these cases, are well-versed in laws specific to cruise ship liability, and have the resources and tenacity to help our clients get the justice they deserve.
To schedule a meeting with a skilled attorney today, call 305-371-8000 or fill out our contact form. Initial consultations are free, and every case is taken on a contingency basis.