How To Protect Your Rights After a Cruise Ship Injury
The State of California has very popular ports of cruise ship departures. A majority of cruise lines will set sail in one of four ports in the state, San Francisco, San Diego, San Pedro, and/or Long Beach. The cruise line industry thrives throughout California and Florida.
While cruise lines offer an abundance of attractions, they can sometimes present numerous hazards for those onboard. If you have been injured as a passenger on a California cruise ship, you should consider seeking the legal support of a qualified attorney in order to get the full legal understanding of what your rights and obligations are.
Common Cruise Line Accidents and Injuries
Every cruise ship that enters and leaves a California port is subject to many laws, including the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010. This act prescribes the safety and security requirements for a majority of cruise lines that embark or depart from ports in the nation.
Although cruise lines in California are subject to rigorous regulations, hazards and dangerous conditions can still arise in even high class environments. The following are some of the most common accidents that can occur on a cruise ship.
Trip, Slip, and Fall Accidents – Cruise ship slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common ways crew members and passengers become injured. These can take place on an open deck, in a restaurant, by a swimming pool, dance floor, or restroom. Common reasons behind these types of accidents include the wear and tear of carpets or flooring, slippery deck surfaces, foreign objects, misplaced objects, as well as transient or foreign substances. When a cruise line fails to take reasonable care to make the area safe and to warn guests of and dangers, the end result can have serious consequences.
Negligent Security – When a person is attacked while on a cruise ship where the ship’s security was negligently unresponsive, the cruise line could be held liable for the injuries the victim sustained. If the injuries could have been prevented with better security, a jury or judge can hold the cruise line accountable.
Wrongful Death Cases – Accidental deaths can unfortunately occur on cruise ships. These tragic incidents can occur as a result of a large variety of circumstances. With a wrongful death claim, the victim’s survivors can have the opportunity to recover the horrific and heart-wrenching damages due to the sudden loss of their loved one.
Hire the Support of a Skilled Law Firm
The personal injury attorneys at Heiting & Irwin are highly skilled in the field of serious cruise line accident claims. The firm has the experience needed to protect the rights of a seriously injured cruise line passenger. In order to file a successful claim against a cruise ship line, you must also understand how long you have to bring forth a claim, as well as where and how it should be brought. After a cruise line accident, seek the legal representation of an experienced and skilled law firm as soon as possible. Selecting a proficient law firm with the right skills and experience is critical in ensuring the right damages are not only sought but also won. Contact the attorneys at the Heiting & Irwin law firm for a free case evaluation.
