Not Always Smooth Sailing
Cruises have become increasingly popular over the years and there are innumerable choices to make when considering one for your next vacation. The cruise line, the size of the size, the ports of call – all of these are decisions a traveler must make. Once you finish making all your decisions and your trip is booked, the excitement builds until you finally board the vessel and embark on your cruise. You are all ready for a week of relaxation and fun in the sun – at least that is what you planned on. As a ship full of passengers recently discovered, however, sometimes things do not go as planned. On a recent Royal Caribbean cruise from New Jersey, the ship encountered extremely rough seas and hazardous weather conditions; a decision was made by the crew to return to the port of origin, but not before the passengers suffered a frightening experience as the waves tossed the ship and its contents about.
Peril On The High Seas
Thankfully, no one suffered injuries as a result of the incident, but it is not difficult to imagine what could have happened in a situation such as this. The ship decks and stairs can be slippery and dangerous enough when you are not struggling to keep your balance and slips and falls can occur even during smooth sailing. Additionally, in a tumultuous scenario such as the one suffered by the Royal Caribbean ship sailing from New Jersey, the potential of being hit by falling objects presents an even more dangerous situation. If you are not as fortunate as these Royal Caribbean passengers and do suffer injuries on your cruise, who is at fault?
Assigning Fault For Troubles At Sea
Cruise ships sailing from United States waters are common carriers, as set forth in Section 3(6) of the Shipping Act of 1984. Common carriers provide transportation of passengers and/or cargo by sea for compensation and assume responsibility for that transportation from port of origin to port of destination. This level of responsibility includes a special duty to make sure that their passengers get to the port safely, and they have the responsibility to use the highest degree of care to protect passengers from harm, including physical injury. While accidents may occur, if and when they do occur on a cruise ship, the cruise line will likely be held responsible. Further, this liability is without limitation.
If Injured On A Cruise, Contact Us For Help
If you or your loved one has suffered personal injuries on your cruise, contact Boone & Davis in Fort Lauderdale today to speak with an experienced legal professional about your rights and responsibilities. Each personal injury case is different and very much dependent on the unique set of facts surrounding an accident. You may be entitled to recover for your damages – physical as well as monetary – and the attorneys at Boone & Davis have the experience dealing with all types of personal injury cases to offer competent advice and efficient representation in your time of need. Contact us online or reach us by phone at 954.556.5260 to schedule your free consultation so we can help you receive everything you are entitled to recover.
