When to Contact an Attorney After an Injury on a Cruise Ship

August 11, 2021 | By Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers
When to Contact an Attorney After an Injury on a Cruise Ship There is nothing like exploring the vast oceans and visiting remote islands and other countries while sailing aboard a cruise ship. Many people would agree that nothing can replace the benefits of going on a cruise as the ultimate getaway to decompress, relax and enjoy some fun in the sun and the beautiful scenery surrounding the waterways of Florida and beyond. However, just as with any other location, there is always the possibility for cruise ship accidents to occur. If you or someone you care for was injured in a cruise ship accident, contact the law firm of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers to schedule a no-cost, initial evaluation of your claim. There is no obligation to retain our legal services and your information is kept completely confidential.  There are several statutes and federal regulations that cruise ships must abide by to keep passengers safe and free from physical and psychological harm, so they can enjoy their time at sea with friends and family. If it is found that your injury was the result of failure to adhere to these standards, you could be legally eligible for financial compensation to pay for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income from missing work, and other costs or financial losses related to the accident.  If you need to file a claim for an injury caused by a cruise ship accident, it is important to understand the necessary steps you need to take to preserve the value of your claim. Avoiding some of these steps could result in a denied or devalued claim, which means you could lose out on the financial assistance you may need to make a full recovery. 

When is the Right Time to Contact a Lawyer?

While it can never be too soon to contact a Miami FL premises liability attorney after a cruise ship injury, there are certain actions and precautions you could take before doing so. If you or a loved one was injured in a cruise ship accident, you should: Seek Immediate Medical Attention While cruise ship accidents can result in a wide array of injuries, it is important to seek immediate medical care to ensure the safety of your health. If possible, go to the ship’s medical center and have an examination completed by a doctor or other healthcare professional.  Do not worry if the cruise ship tries to charge you money for medical treatment, as these funds can be recovered if your injury was the result of negligence by the cruise ship or its staff. Having a reliable lawyer on your side can help you recover past expenses related to the accident, plus financial assistance for future care, if needed.  Sometimes cruise ship accidents cause injuries that may take several days or weeks before you start feeling symptoms. What may appear to be a minor ailment such as whiplash or a sprained ankle at first, could turn out to be a long-term health issue later.  If you refuse to seek immediate medical attention, insurance companies could try to avoid paying for your damages, claiming that your injuries could have improved had you been examined promptly by a medical professional. If you have a valid claim, your lawyer can help you submit evidence and negotiate with insurers on your behalf to pursue the full value of your claim.  Obtain Copies of Your Medical Records After being examined by a medical professional, it is important to obtain copies of the medical report and any other diagnostic exams, such as X-rays, MRI’s, and CT Scans. Having these documents in your possession means you can submit them as valuable evidence to back your cruise ship accident claim. If you do not have proof of your injuries, insurers may try to offer you less compensation, saying that your injuries are not that severe. In some cases, your lawyer may need to hire an expert witness in the medical field to further examine the cause and severity of your injuries and to testify on your behalf. Report Your Accident to the Proper Authorities Just as you would report a car accident to the local authorities, it is critical to do so after a cruise ship accident. Since the cruise ship may not have police on board, you may need to report the accident to the ship’s safety or security officer. Be sure to obtain a copy of the incident report and any paperwork they may ask you to fill out. Always be honest and straightforward about what happened and write down the events leading up to the accident for your own records. With all the commotion that usually comes with an unexpected accident, you may forget certain important details that may help you win your case. This is why it is important to write everything down, including any improvements or setbacks with the condition of your injuries.  Take Photos and Record Witness Information One of the most important things you can do after sustaining an injury in a cruise ship accident is taking photos of your injuries. Doing this will provide further proof of your maritime injury claim and insurance companies are more likely to comply with your demands when you provide photographic evidence of your damages. If there were witnesses present when the accident occurred, be sure to record their names and contact information, such as telephone numbers and home addresses. Sometimes, witness statements can hold significant weight when determining fault for cruise ship accidents. Your lawyer can contact potential witnesses later to help back your claim.  

Contact an Attorney With a History of Success

After taking the necessary steps mentioned above, we highly recommend contacting an attorney with a history of success. Whether you or someone you love was injured in a cruise ship accident, it is important to contact an attorney with a proven track record of successful verdicts and settlements with their clients. If you decide to try and settle the case on your own, you could be missing out on significant amounts of compensation you may legally deserve.  Sometimes cruise ship accidents happen in international waters or other countries where the laws may differ significantly when compared to the United States legal system. At the law firm of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, our distinguished attorneys have in-depth knowledge and experience in dealing with these types of scenarios. Our goal is to help you hold all at-fault parties liable for your damages, so you can pursue the full and fair amount of compensation you legally deserve. You only have a limited amount of time to file a cruise ship injury claim in Florida, so contact the law office of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today for a free, initial consultation. Our accomplished attorneys have obtained more than $200,000,000 combined in successful verdicts and settlements, which includes injury cases involving cruise ship accidents. We aim to protect the rights of injury victims in Palm Beach Gardens and beyond (by appointment only). Let our friendly team of legal professionals walk you through every step of the litigation process so you can rest assured knowing your rights are protected.  Contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today by dialing (561) 800-8000 or filling out a free case evaluation form.

Legally Reviewed By: Steven L. Frankl

Steven L. Frankl represents clients in cases of catastrophic injury, wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, trucking accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability, as well as slip/trip fall accidents and nursing home neglect. Mr. Frankl’s practice is built on the pursuit of justice and fair compensation for his clients.

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