Youâve worked hard to save up, and now youâre on a well-deserved cruise. But unfortunately, youâre not safe from the hazards of everyday life. Whether itâs a wire on the floor or a slippery deck, there are many scenarios where you can get hurt.
In case it happens, hereâs a quick guide on what to do if youâre injured on a cruise.
Get Help at the Medical Office Onboard
When youâre injured, get a crew member and ask them to escort you to the medical office. There, you will get a thorough examination and treatment.
If you donât feel like you need medical treatment, then move onto the next step.
File a Report
All cruise ships operate under the International Maritime Organization, which means they have to keep a log of all accidents that happen. When youâre injured, make sure itâs reported and documented. You should have to fill out a form for the accident report and that should take care of things.
If youâve opted not to go to the medical office, stop by the Purserâs desk. Here, you can get an accident report form and fill it out there.
Have You Signed an âAssumption of Risk Form?â
Some cruise lines will have you sign an âassumption of risk form,â which lets them off the hook for responsibility should you get injured while youâre doing an activity under their watch. Should you get injured, then youâll have to speak with a lawyer to see what impact it has on your case.
Donât Make Preemptive Claims About Your Injury
You may be tempted to downplay the accident to make the cruise ship employees feel better, but that will only hurt your case. Be very tight-lipped about your condition, and donât claim that itâs just something minor.
While initially, it may seem to be a minor injury, it can quickly develop into a serious infection. If youâve said âitâs nothingâ earlier, employees may note on your accident report that your injury was minor and your later claims may be seen as contradictory.
Contact a Lawyer
By working with a cruise ship injury lawyer, youâll ensure that you get fair compensation for the injuries suffered. Because maritime legal issues can be very complex, make sure you specifically hire an attorney who is experienced in this area.
Make sure you get in touch with one as soon as you land, since your compensation depends on how quickly you file. Many cruise companies will have their policies written on their tickets, so check yours to see what your time limit is. Whatever their set time period is, itâs still best to file ASAP in case there are any bumps in the road.Â
Injured on a Cruise? No Worries
Should you ever go on vacation and are injured on a cruise, now you know what to do so youâre covered legally. So you wonât have to worry about a thing besides having fun!
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