Cruising During Hurricane Season: What Are My Legal Options if Carnival Changes My Cruise Itinerary?

Our Award Winning Cruise Ship Injury Attorneys Will Represent You If You’re Injured Cruising Through Dangerous Weather

Cruise vacations are often synonymous with relaxation, adventure, and luxury. However, the unpredictable nature of weather, particularly hurricanes, can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare.

While you would assume the cruise line would postpone a cruise leaving in dangerous weather, this isn’t always the case. Just this August, Hurricane Debby delayed the operations of Carnival Cruise Line departing The Bahamas and returning to port in Charleston. While the Carnival Cruise ship news posed a serious inconvenience to passengers, the consequences of being on board cruises during hurricanes can be dire. If you find yourself injured on a cruise ship caught in a hurricane, understanding your legal rights and the responsibilities of the cruise line is crucial.

Hurricane Season Poses a Unique Threat to Cruise Ship Guests

Hurricane season, typically spanning from June to December, poses significant risks to maritime travel. Cruise ships, despite their size and advanced technology, are not immune to storms. High winds, massive waves, and turbulent seas can lead to accidents and injuries. Common injuries during such events include slips and falls, being struck by unsecured objects, and more severe trauma from the ship’s violent movements.

Legal Responsibilities of Cruise Ships

Cruise lines have a duty of care to ensure the safety and well-being of their passengers. This duty encompasses several responsibilities, particularly during adverse weather conditions:

• Weather Monitoring and Communication: Cruise lines must continuously monitor weather conditions and communicate potential risks to passengers. This includes providing timely updates and instructions on safety measures.
• Route Planning and Adjustments: To avoid hurricanes, cruise lines are expected to plan routes that steer clear of predicted storm paths. If a hurricane is imminent, they must adjust the itinerary to ensure passenger safety.
• Safety Protocols and Training: Crew members should be adequately trained to handle emergency situations, including hurricanes. Safety drills and protocols must be in place and communicated to passengers.
• Securing the Cruise Ship: During a hurricane, the ship’s crew must secure all loose objects, ensure watertight doors are closed, and take other measures to minimize hazards.

Understanding Your Rights If You’re Injured on a Cruise Ship That Gets Caught in a Hurricane

If you sustain an injury on a cruise ship during a hurricane or significant weather event, several factors will determine the cruise line’s liability:

• Negligence: To hold the cruise line accountable, you must prove that your injury resulted from their negligence. This could include failure to avoid the storm, inadequate safety measures, or poor communication.
• Comparative Fault: In some cases, the cruise line may argue that you share responsibility for your injury. For example, if you ignored safety instructions or ventured into restricted areas during the storm, your compensation might be reduced. We’ll work hard to dispute this.
• Documentation and Evidence: Collecting evidence is crucial. Take photographs of the accident scene, gather witness statements, and keep records of any medical treatment received onboard.

Steps to Take if You’ve Suffered an Injury on a Cruise Ship That Was Caught in a Hurricane

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Visit the ship’s medical facility for an evaluation and treatment. Ensure that all medical reports are documented.
• Report the Incident: Notify the ship’s crew and file an official accident report. Obtain a copy of this report for your records.
• Document Everything: Keep a detailed account of the incident, including the time, location, and circumstances leading to your injury. Photographs and witness contact information can be invaluable.
• Consult a Maritime Attorney: Navigating the complexities of maritime law requires expertise. Contact an experienced maritime attorney who specializes in cruise ship injuries to discuss your case and potential legal actions.

If You’ve Been Injured on a Cruise Ship That Was Caught in a Hurricane, We Will Fight for Substantial Compensation

Victims of cruise ship injuries during hurricanes may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for medical treatment, both onboard and after disembarkation
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical and emotional distress caused by the injury
• Future Medical Needs: Consideration for ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation

The award-winning team of cruise ship accident lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. help injured cruise ship victims navigate the legal process and obtain the maximum compensation they’re entitled to. Our experienced maritime attorneys regularly go up against the world’s biggest cruise lines, and have a longstanding track record of successfully representing clients in cruise ship accident cases.

How Cruise Ship Passengers Can Keep Themselves Safe During Hurricane Season

While cruise lines bear significant responsibility for any accidents that occur at sea, passengers can also take steps to protect themselves when they sail:

• Stay Informed: Pay attention to weather updates and heed all safety instructions provided by the crew.
• Follow Safety Protocols: Take advantage of the ship’s safety drills and familiarize yourself with emergency procedures.
• Avoid Risky Areas: During a storm, stay away from open decks and other hazardous areas.
• Secure Personal Belongings: Ensure that your cabin is secure and that personal items are stowed safely.

If You’ve Been Injured on a Cruise Ship During Hurricane Season, Let an Experienced Maritime Attorney Help You Secure the Compensation You’re Entitled To

Cruising during hurricane season carries inherent risks, but understanding your rights and the legal responsibilities of cruise lines can help you navigate the aftermath of an injury. If you find yourself injured on a cruise ship during a hurricane, taking prompt action and seeking legal counsel are essential steps to securing the compensation you deserve.

Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. first opened its doors in 1971. Since then, we have grown our law firm to include seven office locations across the United States with 16 full-time maritime and cruise ship accident attorneys. Collectively, we have over 250 years of legal experience and have successfully recovered more than $300 million for our clients in the 50-plus years we have been in business.

We have successfully handled more than 3,000 cases and are proud to report that four of our maritime attorneys were named to “Best Lawyers” ®, “Lawyer of the Year” ® in Admiralty and Maritime (Miami), and Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. was named one of the “Best Law Firms” ® in America by US News & World Report every year since 2016. Our high success rates make us uniquely qualified to help victims of cruise ship sexual assaults demand the compensation they are owed.

If you or a loved one needs legal help following an accident and subsequent injury aboard a cruise ship, we are here to offer you the legal guidance and support you deserve. Contact us today or call our office at 877–233–1238 for a confidential and free consultation and connect with a reputable maritime attorney who can help you seek justice.