How Safe Are Cruise Ships?
Cruising provides a value packed, all-inclusive way to enjoy exotic ports in tropical locations. South Carolina residents are lucky to have a cruise ship terminal right in Charleston! Life on board a luxury liner may seem idyllic, but it is not uncommon for accidents and personal injuries to occur. In addition to mishaps that have the potential to ruin your trip, it is also important to be aware of safety issues which could put you at risk. How safe are cruise ships is a question in the back of many travelers’ minds. In this article, we’ll discuss some safety tips for your cruise.
Cruise Ship Accidents & Injuries
While accidental injuries may be the last thing on your mind when boarding a cruise ship, it is important to be aware of how these incidents commonly occur. According to studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), close to 700 accidents and injuries were reported to medical clinics aboard cruise ships over a three year period, while thousands more may have gone unreported to staff. Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common types of accidents on cruises, resulting in soft tissue injuries such as muscle and tendon strains, sprains and tears, cuts, broken bones, and concussions. Common areas in which these injuries occur include:
- In cabins and passenger room hallways due to uneven surfaces and worn carpeting
- On wet floors near pool and spa areas
- Walking on unstable ramps and getting on and off tenders when debarking the ship
- Onshore excursions and while visiting ports of call
- On outside decks flanking the ship, due to moisture and condensation
Any time you suffer an injury onboard a ship or while on vacation, you should let the staff know immediately so an incident report can be filed. Seek treatment from the ship doctor and follow up with your own medical provider once you are at home.
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Cruise Ship Dangers
While cruise ships heavily promote their fun and family friendly environment, it is important to be aware of the how safe cruise ships are. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)keeps a log of cruise ship incident reports, which are federally mandated to document incidents of onboard crime for the protection and safety of passengers. All the major cruise lines are represented in these reports, and the information they contain is shocking. Between the months of January 2016 and March 2017, cruise lines reported the following:
- Four deaths
- Eight missing people
- Three kidnappings
- 16 assaults causing bodily injury
- 78 sexual assaults
Injured On A Cruise? Get Help Today
While cruise ships undoubtedly work hard to protect their guests, they can be held accountable for injuries you suffer when accidents and crimes occur. If you have been the victim while onboard a cruise or while on an excursion, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm.
We provide professional legal representation so you can get the compensation you need to recover. Call or contact our South Carolina cruise ship injury attorneys today, and request a free consultation.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form