Common Mistakes After a Cruise Ship Accident
Cruises are typically enjoyable getaways for travelers, whether they are celebrating an event or conducting a business trip. Nowadays, cruises offer travelers the ability to go nearly anywhere around the world, which was not possible many years ago. Aside from the luxurious and enjoyable ambiance cruise ships offer, they also introduce entirely new risks that are not present in everyday life. Common types of cruise ship accidents include slip and falls (especially on the pool deck), tripping over luggage, improper manual lifting, exposure to chemicals, and electrical accidents. Because maritime law regulates cruise ships and potential incidents, the typical process for reporting a cruise ship accident differs from other personal injury accidents. The most common mistakes to avoid after a cruise ship accident are discussed.
One of the most common mistakes after a cruise ship accident is failing to report the accident to a cruise company employee. Because people who are on cruises are on vacation, they sometimes minimize the incident and the extent of their injuries. This results in failing to tell a cruise ship member that the accident occurred, which is a poor decision to make for various reasons. Firstly, failing to report a cruise ship accident may result in the cruise company failing to compensate you for your injuries, minimizing what really occurred, because there was no accident report at the time of the accident. In order to successfully obtain compensation, proper evidence and documentation is essential. Another reason why failing to report an accident is that this may cause another cruise ship traveler to become injured the same way. For example, if you slip and fall on a slippery, unmarked, unlit pool deck, another person may become injured the same way, unless you raise awareness to the cruise company.
Another common mistake after a cruise ship accident is expecting a cruise ship employee to fully assist you, to the best of their ability. Once a crew member becomes notified about the incident and potential hazard that caused injury, the cruise company is aware that they are potentially facing a legal claim. The cruise ship member will attempt to minimize the accident, as a means to convince the passenger not to file charges. This will cause the accident victim to collect evidence, including pictures of the accident scene, pictures of injuries, and collect contact details of potential witnesses. Be sure to obtain a copy of the incident report and medical files, which will be vital to successfully winning in the court of law.
A third common mistake to avoid after a cruise ship accident is failure to hire an experienced attorney. A key element in receiving the full amount of available compensation is to be represented by a credible lawyer. All cruise ship accidents are regulated under maritime law, so it is essential to work with an attorney who is knowledgeable about maritime law. If you become injured on a cruise ship, the first step is to alert a cruise ship employee. Ensure an accident report is filed, and obtain a copy of the accident report. The next step is to go to the doctor on board. Even the most minor injuries require medical assessment, and a medical report will help you if you wish to file a claim in the future. Once you reach dry land, hire a personal injury attorney to represent you in a court of law.
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