No one plans to be injured, which is why the law has a system for deciding who was responsible and who was liable when it happens-to figure out who should have to bear the cost of getting people who have been hurt back on their feet again. When you go into a facility, such as a business that is open to the public, and you get hurt in the course of your regular patronage of that facility, then there is a chance you have a claim for damages that will help you cover the costs of your medical care. That includes entertainment venues, even when they are not necessarily on dry land.
What to expect
Cruise ships and other maritime businesses have a duty to protect and care for passengers, and that duty extends to the captain and crew of the ship as well. If you are injured on a cruise ship, the question of whether or not you are entitled to recover damages is decided by determining whether or not the captain and crew were negligent in their duty in that regard. If so, then you as an injured passenger likely have a claim for damages, and may be able to sue if it is necessary.
When you are on an offshore gambling boat, you are on a cruise, even if it is only a day cruise. That means when you get injured on one, these protections do extend to you. Examples of these kinds of cases include:
- Assault by a passenger or crew member
- Slips and falls during embarkation or disembarkation
- Food poisoning
- Injuries relating to falling overboard or off a tender
What kinds of damages can you claim?
Typically, those who are injured and who are able to successfully show that they have a claim under the law have the ability to collect damages relating to the cost of medical expenses and to lost wages. Those are the most common claims, and sometimes courts will also entertain the idea of including your legal expenses in the damages if you win, although that is not a guarantee. These damages are designed to compensate you for the expenses relating to getting back on your feet after the injury.
Boat accidents are common
You might be wondering how often this kind of accident happens. The Department of Transportation requires cruise ships to prove they are financially capable of paying claims that arise from injuries that happen aboard, so while these accidents are unfortunate, they are not necessarily rare, and there are systems in place to make sure victims get restitution.
If you have been injured in an accident on a cruise ship or gambling boat, contact an attorney who can advise you about your options.
