What to Do After a Shore Excursion Injury

If you sustained an injury while on a shore excursion, you should first seek medical attention. Then, you’ll want to take steps to pursue compensation for your medical bills and related expenses and losses. A Florida cruise ship accident lawyer can help you identify the at-fault party and prove the negligence that led to your injuries.

A lawyer can investigate the accident, determine whether negligence led to it, and clarify whether fault and financial liability belong to the cruise liner or another third party. Then, they’ll collect evidence, deal with the appropriate insurance company, and negotiate a settlement. Most importantly, your lawyer will represent you on a contingency fee basis, costing you nothing upfront or out of pocket. 

Shore Excursion Injuries Reported by Cruise Passengers

Visiting and exploring ports of call during shore excursions is a highlight of many cruises. However, when a shore excursion leads to a serious injury, it can interrupt a passenger’s cruise experience and leave them with unexpected costs.

Car and Bus Accidents During Shore Excursions

Trips to shore can lead to dangerous vehicle collisions, such as when a bus or taxi driver crashes into another car. Accidents can also happen when tourists on bicycles, skateboards, or on foot collide with negligent drivers.

Water Excursions and Other Adventure Challenges

Rafting, deep-sea diving, and other unique local adventures let cruise ship passengers experience fun cultural events. However, these experiences can lead to physical danger when not properly supervised.

Sightseeing Local Attractions While in Port

Coordinated events, party buses, and local nightlife can be a fun way to enjoy new areas while cruising, but unexpected violence amid large crowds can lead to physical harm.

If you or someone you love suffered an injury during a shore excursion, a personal injury attorney could help you pursue financial compensation.

A Cruise Ship Attorney Can Document the Cause of Your Shore Excursion Injuries

Like all personal injury claims, shore excursion injury claims require proof of another person or entity’s negligence. If a lawyer represents you, they will prove the necessary elements of negligence:

• The at-fault party owed you a duty of care.
• The at-fault party breached their responsibility.
• Their actions directly caused your accident.
• Your accident and injuries had financial costs.

Your lawyer will collect evidence and interview fellow passengers, excursion-goers, and witnesses to prove these elements. Your lawyer will also clarify potentially harmful or confusing evidence, like a signed waiver. Finally, they will collect proof of the costs you incurred to treat and recover from your injuries.

Track Your Shore Excursion Injuries and Their Related Expenses and Losses

You could attempt to resolve your injury case with the cruise liner or another third party alone. However, building a case and proving financial liability can be challenging without legal guidance and support.

When you hire a personal injury lawyer to manage your case, they can:

• Conduct a comprehensive investigation into your case.
• Examine official reports, records, and witness statements.
• Handle all case-related communication and documentation.
• Track your injuries, treatment plan, and all related costs.
• Obtain and review available photos and video footage.

Based on the evidence and the story it tells, potentially liable parties for your injuries might include:

• The cruise liner or employees
• An onshore service provider
• Other third parties whose actions caused or contributed to your accident

Because your injury happened in an unfamiliar locale, share any evidence you collected at the scene that might strengthen your compensation request.

You Can Recover Damages for Shore Excursion Injuries Caused by Negligence

Injuries you suffer away from home can leave you with a myriad of expenses, including emergency care and hospitalization. You could also incur the costs of staying where your accident occurred until you have recovered sufficiently to return home, and the costs of getting yourself—and perhaps others—home.

The lawyer handling your case can help you recover these and other damages, such as:

• Past, current, and future medical care
• Lost income and future earning ability
• Property damage or destruction
• Limiting disabilities and disfigurement
• Ongoing physical pain and suffering
• Lasting mental and emotional trauma

Your lawyer will work hard to collect bills, receipts, and other tangible evidence of their monetary value, then submit a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company.

What You Need to Know About Meeting the Statute of Limitations

When and where your accident occurred will affect the filing deadline. If a Florida-based cruise liner is a negligent party, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. However, federal law could take precedence on your claim.

Many other factors could affect the notification and filing deadlines that govern your case and how much time you have to file it. If you don’t make the appropriate notifications or miss a filing deadline, you could lose the legal ability to pursue compensation. A cruise ship injury lawyer can help you avoid all the costly consequences of filing your lawsuit too late.

A Personal Injury Attorney Will Accept Your Case on a Contingency Fee Basis

You typically do not have to pay anything upfront or out of pocket to hire a lawyer. Most law firms will cover the costs of building and preparing your case and will not expect or accept compensation unless they recover damages.

If you do not receive a monetary award, you will not owe any legal or attorney’s fees.

Get a Free Review of Your Shore Excursion Injury Claim

If you or a loved one sustained an injury during a port-of-call outing on a cruise ship, Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers will help you seek fair and appropriate compensation. We know what to do after a shore excursion injury and how to build a compelling case.

You do not have to manage all the moving parts of a complex legal matter alone. When you are ready to seek compensation, contact our consultation team 24/7 to get started.