Safety Tips to avoid a Cruise Ship Accident

It’s summertime in South Florida. Kids everywhere are finishing up school and parents are getting ready to take their loved ones on that big family trip they’ve been planning all year. With anticipated growth of the cruising industry and the Caribbean and the Bahamas being two of the most appealing destinations for cruisers, according to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s industry overview, many vacationers will be cruising for the first time to Florida’s nearby tropical paradises.

So what happens if you or your loved one are injured on a cruise ship? Do you know what to do? What can you do to prevent an accident? These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself and prepare for before taking a cruise.

Here are some helpful tips for your next big excursion:

Accident Prevention:
 • Listen to the instructions that are usually provided to all passengers by the ship’s crew before setting sail.
 • Bring a sufficient amount of medications/prescriptions that you would normally take on a daily basis.
 • Inform personnel of any food allergies that you might have or any other special needs that you will need for your trip.
 • Familiarize yourself with any pamphlets or safety instructions provided on the ship or in your cabin.
 • Avoid standing too close to the guard rails and be sure to keep children away from the guard rails.
 • If you consume alcohol while on your trip, drink moderately and responsibly. Avoid wandering around the ship by yourself.
 • Wear a life preserver when instructed to by the ship’s crew.
 • Avoid movement around the main deck during bad weather or turbulent water.

After an accident/injury:
 • If you are ill or injured, seek medical assistance immediately.
 • Retain copies of any documents that are provided to you by the ship’s personnel after you have been treated for your injuries.
 • Get as much information as you can from anyone who saw the accident or who knows the extent of your injuries.
 • Keep all records of your ticket purchase handy, as they usually contain disclaimers/fine print regarding your legal rights.
 • Consult with an attorney and make your records available to them.

Cruise ship accidents are not like other accidents. Victims in a cruise accident have one year from the date that the accident occurred to file a lawsuit. This and other rules and statutes regarding cruise accidents can be very complicated and can affect your rights if you don’t know what to do. There are skilled cruise ship accident attorneys ready to handle your case.