Accidents abroad
Cruise ship holidays
Cruises are a popular holiday choice for many and though incredibly safe, accidents do happen.
With 1.7 million people in the UK opting to choose cruising as their holiday of choice, it’s clear to see why they are so popular. However, the sea can sometimes be unpredictable, and there are many injuries that can happen when on board a cruise ship or on the way to the ship.
If you’ve encountered problems during a cruise, whether it’s an injury, illness, or an accident during port excursions or transportation to the cruise ship, our legal experts are here to guide you.
There are a variety of injuries that can happen on a cruise, some of which include:
- Slips, trips and falls on deck or being injured while embarking or disembarking
- Falling overboard due to a lapse in the proper safety measures
- Burns or scalds from food service
- Accidents during wave turbulence
- Injuries caused by other passengers
- Allergic reactions from on board meals
Understanding your rights and the steps to take following a cruise accident can make a significant difference in securing the compensation you deserve. The Athens Convention, updated in 2002, ensures that cruises and ferries have sufficient insurance to cover accidents at sea. It applies regardless of where the accident occurred on the ship and whether the ship was abroad or in the UK. To protect yourself from accidents while on a cruise holiday and for advice on what to do if you do suffer an injury, our accident abroad solicitors offer their expert tips.
Before you travel
Ensure you have travel insurance with specific coverage for cruise ships and for the ship's destinations. This is crucial for covering unexpected medical expenses and emergencies.
If your holiday is in the European Economic Area (EEA), carry your EHIC. This card provides access to state healthcare in other EEA countries until its expiry date. For expired EHICs, apply for a GHIC to ensure continued healthcare coverage. You can obtain this card online or at your local post office for free. Remember, the EHIC or GHIC alone won't cover all expenses, such as repatriation by air ambulance in the event of a serious injury. Always read the fine print of your insurance policy to ensure it meets your needs, paying attention to limits and exclusions.
What should you do if you are involved in an accident onboard
Following these steps when you are involved in an accident on board a ship will help with any potential claim you make.
- Seek medical attention – your health and safety are the most important.
- Report any accidents to the crew as soon as possible to ensure they are documented in the ship’s accident log and obtain a copy of the report.
- Notify your travel insurance provider immediately after an accident to ensure your insurance covers the injury.
- Take photographs of the accident scene and any hazards that contributed to the incident.
- Collect names and contact details of any witnesses who can support your claim.
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatment received, including doctor’s notes, hospital documentation, and receipts for any medical expenses.
- Maintain a diary of your medical appointments and any communications with the ship’s crew or management regarding your injury.
Making a claim
When making a claim, it’s important to be aware that any claims under the Athens Convention must be filed within two years from the date of disembarkation. The Limitation Act 1980 does not extend this period, so seeking legal advice as soon as possible is crucial.
The amount of compensation varies depending on the accident and the injury. In addition to compensation for pain and suffering, you may be able to claim for loss of earnings and medical expenses, including any necessary rehabilitation.
Depending on the severity of your injury and if the ship takes responsibility depends on the amount of compensation you may be able to receive. Our client fractured her hip following an accident whilst playing table tennis on board a cruise travelling around New Zealand. Having slipped on a puddle of water that had accumulated due to a leaking roof which had seeped in rainwater, she required a hip operation, and we were able to help her receive the treatment and compensation she deserved.
How can we help
If you’ve been injured on a cruise, our travel law experts are on hand to help. With our team by your side, you can be assured that you have a dedicated group of lawyers who are not only experts in the legalities in travelling abroad but also deeply empathetic to the challenges you may be facing. Our experts are committed to getting the best possible outcome for you. If you, or your child, have suffered an injury because of an accident on board a cruise, simply contact our experts today on 0330 107 5037, or you can contact us online here to learn more about your options going forward.