Injuries Falling Down Stairs on a Cruise Ship

A cruise is a time for fun, enjoyment and relaxation. Not serious injury. Unfortunately, when cruise ships fail to provide a reasonably safe environment for their passengers and crew members, injuries will occur. One of the many injuries that often do occur on cruise ships includes those involving stairs and staircases. Cruise ships are very large and contain many staircases and stairwells. When not properly maintained or risks are not identified and assessed, passengers and crew members can suffer serious injuries from falling down stairs.

Following an injury on stairs on a cruise ship, you should seek immediate medical attention for your injuries and notify security of your accident. When filling out an accident report, make certain to describe the specific unsafe conditions that led to your injury. If possible, go back to the scene of the accident to investigate the cause of your injury and get photographs of the area. Was the area too dark? Is the rise and run of the stairs uniform? Are there handrails in the area? How high are the handrails and are they accessible while going down the stairs? Was there a slick condition or trip hazard on the stairs? Were there too many passengers in the stairs? You should not rely on the cruise ship to conduct a good or unbiased investigation.

If you are a passenger or crew member who suffered such an injury, time is of the essence. Cruise ship tickets contain contract language that limits the time period for bringing a claim. Many tickets provide that you must give written notice of the injury to the cruise line within six months and a lawsuit must be filed within one year in a particular jurisdiction. However, each ticket is different and it is important that you consult with an experienced lawyer to evaluate your claim and the applicable time limits. Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC, is based in Seattle, Washington. According to the terms of the passenger ticket, claims against the following companies must be brought in federal or state court in Seattle, Washington:

• Holland America Line
• Seabourn Cruise Line
• Windstar Cruise Line

Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC, offers a free consultation to passengers injured in falls down stairways or staircases on cruise ships and for other serious injuries that occur on cruise ships. We can help. Contact us today at 206.624.8844 to speak with an experienced cruise ship attorney.

If you were injured as a cruise ship passenger or employee, it is important that you take prompt action to consult with a lawyer to make certain that you are adequately compensated for your medical expenses, wages loss, pain, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages. We can provide expert representation against all type of cruise ship injuries, including falls on stairs or stairwells. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a seasoned cruise ship injury lawyer, please contact us. You can also call 206.624.8844.