Common Injuries and Accidents on Cruise Ships

When Can You File a Personal Injury Claim?

Escaping on a cruise holiday with some summer sun sounds perfect, but there are common injuries and accidents on cruise ships which can happen. Cruises allow passengers to explore exotic destinations while also enjoying onboard luxury. Cruise ships offer endless entertainment, activities and restaurants, but they do come with risks.

While a cruise ship holiday may offer an unforgettable experience, common injuries may include a slip on a wet pool deck or a serious fall during stormy weather. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while on a cruise, you may want to find out more about filing a personal injury claim for compensation.

Jefferies Claims works with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and can advise on whether you have a potential claim. It is always advisable to speak to a solicitor who has experience in holiday accidents.

Common Injuries on Cruise Ships

Cruise ships are essentially floating cities and so have many of the same hazards one might encounter on land, as well as some that are unique to life at sea. Here are some of the most common injuries passengers may suffer:

1. Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries are by far the most common accidents on cruise ships. Wet surfaces, especially around pool decks, restaurants, and outdoor walkways, present a significant slipping hazard. Spills, condensation, sea spray, and cleaning activities can all create slippery conditions.

2. Pool and Hot Tub Accidents

The pool deck is one of the most hazardous areas on a cruise ship. Wet and often slippery, these areas are prime locations for falls. This may especially occur when passengers run or fail to wear proper footwear. Additionally, accidents may also happen due to poorly maintained pool equipment or inadequate lifeguard supervision.

3. Staircase Falls

Cruise ships often have multiple decks with passengers frequently using staircases. Poor lighting, steep or narrow steps, and lack of handrails may all contribute to falls.

4. Elevator Malfunctions

Although less common, elevator malfunctions can lead to serious injuries. Sudden stops, drops, or door malfunctions can cause harm to passengers inside or outside the elevator.

5. Food Poisoning and Illness Outbreaks

Foodborne illnesses, such as norovirus outbreaks, are another significant concern on cruise ships. Contaminated food or water, poor hygiene standards, or close quarters can enable the rapid spread of gastrointestinal illnesses.

6. Recreational Activity Injuries

Many cruise ships offer rock climbing walls, zip lines, water slides, and fitness centres. However, these activities may also pose injury risks if equipment is faulty or if safety instructions are not adequately provided and enforced.

When The Weather Turns Stormy

The risk of accidents on cruise ships is significantly increased if the weather turns bad. High winds, rough seas, and heavy rain can cause the ship to rock violently, leading to slips, falls, and even being thrown against furniture or walls.

Rough weather also complicates ship operations, making outdoor areas particularly dangerous. Passengers should take extra caution during storms by:

• Avoiding outdoor decks
• Holding onto handrails when walking
• Staying in their cabins during extreme conditions
• Heeding crew instructions and safety announcements

Cruise lines have a duty to monitor weather conditions and take appropriate measures to ensure passenger safety. Failure to do so can be grounds for a personal injury claim.

When Can You File a Personal Injury Claim?

If you are injured on a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation, but the process can be complex.

Cruise ship injury claims often fall under maritime law or international conventions such as the Athens Convention 1974, which governs passenger injury claims at sea. The cruise company’s terms and conditions, often found in your booking agreement, will state which country’s law applies.

You may be eligible to file a claim if:

• The cruise started or ended in the UK.
• The cruise was booked through a UK-based company.
• The cruise ship operator is based in the UK or has a significant presence here.

 Time Limits for Filing a Claim

Under the Athens Convention, passengers have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim. This is shorter than the standard three-year limitation for personal injury claims under law.

Proving Negligence

To successfully claim compensation, you must prove that:

• The cruise line or its staff acted negligently.
• Their negligence directly caused your injury.
• The injury led to physical, emotional, or financial harm.

Examples of negligence include:

• Failing to clean up spills promptly
• Inadequate warning signs for wet surfaces
• Poor maintenance of equipment or facilities
• Inadequate safety procedures during bad weather
• Insufficient staff training or supervision

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If your claim is successful, you may be awarded compensation for:

• Medical expenses (both onboard and after returning home)
• Lost income if you were unable to work
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical or rehabilitation costs

Take The Following Steps

If you suffer an injury on a cruise ship, taking the following steps can help to strengthen your claim

• Report the Incident: Notify ship staff immediately and ask for a written incident report.
• Seek Medical Attention: Your health should always be your priority. Visit the ship’s medical centre and keep all medical records.
• Document Everything: Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards. Collect witness statements if possible.
• Keep All Receipts: Retain receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been injured following an accident while on a cruise, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer.

At Jefferies Claims, we will guide you through the claims process. We partner with highly experienced lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ service.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation.