In the case that you or your companion get injured during your vacation on a cruise ship, it is imperative to take necessary actions to preserve your legal rights. While the cruise line staff and operators are highly trained to avoid any legal liability, accidents can still happen while inside the cruise ship. However, it is essential to know what to do if you or your companion are injured on a cruise before contacting and hiring a lawyer to pursue legal claims. Below we have listed some important things you need to do right after the cruise ship accident. 

Seek for an Immediate Medical Attention

Of course, your first priority should be your health and well-being. Whether you were injured or not, you should seek immediate medical attention. In case that the cruise is still in navigable waters, they should have a medical center inside the ship for first aid and basic medical treatment. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to document what happened and request for medical certificates. If one neglects this important step, you may find it hard to win the case whenever you decide to file a cruise ship injury claim. Furthermore, the cruise ship may charge with their medical services but don’t get intimidated by those fees. If you win the case, all the money you spend will be reimbursed on top of your injury claim. Also, after the treatment, it is vital that you secure copies of your medical record, especially if you aim to file a case for your injury. 

Take Pictures of Your Injuries

If the injury causes deep cuts, scrapes, or bruises, make sure to get high-detail pictures. Also, ask your companion to take pictures during the first aid treatment so you can easily justify the seriousness of the injury. Any evidence of trauma can be used as evidence to solidify your claim.

Document Everything with Photographs and Videos

These days, almost everyone has a smartphone, and it is highly possible that you carry one at the time of the accident. Use the device to take pictures or record a video explaining how the accident happens, what causes it, and the location where the accident happened. Take as many photos and videos from every side, especially the condition of the floor, evidence of possible wear and tear, the current lighting condition if the accident happens during the night, and other factors that could contribute to how you were injured.

If the injury is caused by a trip and falls, make sure to take a picture of the tripping hazard. If the injury was caused by a mechanical malfunction, then take photos of the equipment involved. However, if you neglect to do this step, don’t worry. Visit and read this page to know how you still are able to file an injury claim.

Look for Possible Witnesses

Aside from concrete evidence that you can get from photographs, videos, records, and documents, having a witness to testify is vital in proving your legal claim in the court. So if you know someone has witnessed the whole accident, try to talk with them and get their personal information. Make sure to get their names, mobile numbers, emails, or even their social media account so you can get in touch with them anytime. 

Moreover, you shouldn’t also forget to get the full names and their current ranks of all the cruise staff who investigated the incident as well as the first-aid providers since they can also stand as witnesses in the court. 

Remember, it is vital that you should get the names and their contact information of all possible witnesses since not doing so, it will be difficult to locate them in the future.

File a Personal Injury Claim Immediately

Once you’ve made sure your health is ok, and you have collected enough evidence regarding the cruise accident, it is imperative to report it to the authority and file a case immediately. If you fail to report your injury, chances are, it will make your legal claim difficult to win but also, in some cases, legally impossible.

The first thing you need to do is look for the ship’s security or safety officer. Once you meet him or her, report the incident and make sure to provide straightforward information about how the accident occurred. Provide them copies with all the documents and evidence you have collected. You can even write down details about the conditions you observed. However, also make sure that you should neither assign nor accept blame for the incident. In case you need to fill out forms, make sure to get a copy.

Final Thought and Contributor Credits

Getting into a cruise ship vacation is one of a kind experience. However, even in the most prestigious cruise ship, accidents can happen, and it is vital that you remember all these tips we have mentioned above, so you won’t have a problem winning your injury claim.

Keith Brais

Having graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, acquired three U.S. Coast Guard licenses and worked on offshore oil drilling platforms for more than seven years, Keith S. Brais brings an uncommon degree of real-world experience to clients’ personal injury and wrongful death claims.

His unique maritime education and experience, combined with his professional legal expertise and trial skills provide invaluable benefit to clients when describing the dangers associated with maritime employment to a judge or jury