California’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and its long coastline offers several exciting opportunities on boats and other watercraft. One of the most popular options is taking a cruise. California has become a central point for numerous cruise lines heading to different places like Mexico, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest.
Generally, these trips take place on massive ships that provide lodging, food, entertainment, and various other activities. Although going on a cruise can create lifelong memories, there are also times where accidents and injuries can happen. When that happens, you have options for your recovery.
Experienced California Boat Accident Lawyers
If you’re in a boat accident in California, having skilled legal help can make things easier for you and your family. Our team of experienced California boat accident lawyers at Maison Law can assist with your legal claim and help you recover physically. Don’t wait to get the support you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Popular Are Cruise Lines in California?
Not surprisingly, cruise lines are quite popular in California. Pleasant weather and gorgeous coastal views in California make cruise vacations more attractive. Travelers also appreciate the convenience of beginning their trips from the state’s many ports. According to data from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), there were 1.12 million cruise embarkations in California between 2016 and 2019.
Cruise lines have different plans for trips that start in California and go to different places. This gives travelers many choices for their cruise vacations. Remember, how much people like these options can change based on things like where the cruise goes, what the ship offers, and what travelers like. Some of the most popular cruise lines that you’ll find in California include:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean International
- Celebrity Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Disney Cruise Line
- Crystal Cruises
- Oceania Cruises
- Viking Ocean Cruises
Regardless of the line you choose, each will have its own activities and rules you’ll have to follow while on the ship. While a cruise offers many activities and its own brand of excitement, there’s also the chance that you could suffer an accident and be injured.
How Do Accidents Happen on California Cruise Lines?
There’s no shortage of activities on many cruise lines in California, both on the ship itself and when it docks near a beach or anchors down in the ocean. Unfortunately, though, this also means there’s always the chance of an accident. While no one books a cruise expecting such accidents to occur, it’s always helpful to be prepared. Part of this means understanding how an accident could happen to you or a loved one. Usually, they involve the following:
- Passengers and crew can slip on wet or uneven surfaces, leading to injuries.
- Obstacles in walkways can cause people to trip and get hurt.
- Ships can crash into other things, causing accidents and injuries.
- Fires from equipment problems or electrical issues can be dangerous.
- People can fall into the water accidentally, leading to drownings.
- Sickness can spread quickly on the ship due to close quarters.
- Equipment breaking can disrupt the trip and be unsafe.
- Problems can occur when using smaller boats to go ashore.
- Theft or assault might happen if security isn’t good.
- Bad weather can make the ship rock and cause accidents.
While cruise lines take measures to prevent these accidents, it’s equally important for you and other passengers to follow safety instructions, be aware of your surroundings, and report any hazardous conditions to the crew to help minimize the risk of accidents. Still, accidents can happen, which can lead to injuries.
Cruise Line Injuries in California
Again, there’s always the chance of an accident while you’re on a California cruise ship. More importantly, though, this means that you can be injured. Similar to other injuries in accidents you may suffer in California, an injury on a cruise ship can have far-reaching implications for you and your family. While every accident is unique, each carries risk of potential injuries, depending on the circumstances:
- Slip and falls – These can happen when passengers or crew members slip on wet surfaces, trip over obstacles, or encounter uneven flooring on the cruise ship.
- Cuts and bruises – Accidents involving sharp objects, collisions, or falls can result in cuts, bruises, or other minor injuries.
- Burns – Burns can occur from hot surfaces, scalding liquids, or other onboard hazards.
- Drowning – Accidental falls overboard or incidents in swimming pools can lead to drowning or near-drowning situations.
- Bone fractures – Falls, collisions, or other accidents can lead to fractures and broken bones.
- Soft tissue injuries – Sudden movements, slips, or falls can result in sprains and strains of muscles and ligaments.
- Respiratory injuries – Poor air quality, exposure to hazardous substances, or other factors can lead to respiratory problems.
- Head injuries – Accidents that involve hitting the head, such as falls or collisions, can lead to head injuries.
- Injuries during shore activities – While participating in shore activities, passengers might encounter accidents like slips, falls, or other mishaps.
- Foodborne illnesses – Contaminated food or water can cause passengers and crew members to suffer from food poisoning or gastrointestinal issues.
- Recreational activity injuries – Participating in onboard recreational activities like rock climbing, zip-lining, or sports can lead to injuries.
Most cruise lines have places for basic medical help in the event of an accident, but if you’re really hurt, you might need more advanced care. On top of that, you should also make sure to do the following if you’ve been seriously hurt:
- Tell the cruise line right away, especially if you’re seriously injured and can’t get on the ship. Even if you can still go on the trip, your injury might affect how much you enjoy it.
- Let the people in charge of the cruise know because this way, there’s a record that you got hurt before the trip.
- If you can, take pictures and videos of where you got hurt. This can show how things were dangerous at the cruise terminal.
- Talk to people who saw what happened. Your friends might have seen, but people who don’t know you might be even more helpful.
After that, if the cruise line is responsible for the accident, you should consider your legal options. In that regard, we can help.
California Law and Liability in Cruise Line Accidents
As you might expect, being injured while on a cruise line in California leads to a lot of questions. First and foremost, you’re probably wondering how you can get the help you need to recover, especially if the injuries are serious. Then, you may be wondering if California law applies for a cruise ship injury that happens in international waters or another country.
Generally speaking, cruise ships fall under “maritime law”, which has different standards than state law in terms of the burden of proof and your potential options. However, when you’re injured due to the negligence of the crew or some other passenger, California law treats a cruise ship like any other business–namely that the cruise ship company and crew all have an overriding duty of care to keep you and other passengers safe. If they fail, cause an accident, and you’re injured, you can pursue a claim for damages against them. Depending on the circumstances, your claim could involve:
- The company that runs the cruise line
- The crew that operates the cruise line
- People in charge of the cruise terminal
- Shops, bars, and restaurants at the terminal
- Equipment manufacturers
- Security companies and agents
- Other passengers
Obviously, filing a claim after a cruise line injury in California can get a bit complicated. That’s why it’s important to work with our team of experienced boat accident lawyers at Maison Law. We have the resources and knowledge to help you figure out who all is responsible for your injuries, then to help you navigate the entire process during your claim for damages.
Damages Available in a California Cruise Line Injury Claim
Because there are so many different types of accidents that can happen to you on a cruise in California, there are also many different types of injuries you can suffer. While most of these injuries are dependent on the circumstances of your accident, ultimately they’ll require medical treatment and a change in the way you live your life.
California law takes this into account when providing you with the chance to file a claim against the responsible parties. In legal terms, these are known as “damages.” When you file such a claim in California against the cruise line and others responsible, you can potentially recover:
- Costs for medical care
- Earnings you’ve lost or will lose if you’re unable to work again
- Damage to your personal belongings
- Emotional distress and mental anguish from the accident
- Physical and emotional pain you’ve gone through because of the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life from the accident
- Punitive damages, in cases where the cruise line or other responsible party was excessively negligent
Get in Touch With Our Dedicated California Boat Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been hurt in a California cruise line accident, don’t wait to reach out for legal support from our dedicated California boat accident lawyers. At Maison Law, we know how to guide you through the legal steps after any accident and ensure you get the financial and legal support you deserve. Whatever kind of accident it was, we’re here to assist you. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to get started.
