The Hidden Dangers: Exploring Cases of Medical Malpractice on Cruise Ships

Our Respected Cruise Ship Injury Lawyers Will Demand Justice for Victims of Medical Malpractice and Negligence

Our cruise ship accident lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P. A. have spent more than five decades advocating for the rights of injured cruise ship passengers and crew members. We have recovered more than $450 million for our clients and handled more than 3,000 cases in our careers. We have 8 office locations strategically placed throughout the country so you can fight for the compensation you are owed no matter where you live. Our team consists of 16 experienced personal injury and maritime lawyers, 4 of which have been selected as “Best Lawyers” ® by US News & World Report. Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P. A. have also been selected as one of the “Best Law Firms” ® annually for more than five years. Since opening our doors in 1971, our team has been regularly featured as experts in maritime law, cruise ship injuries, and personal injury cases, with attorney Charles Lipcon shaping the way the U.S. handles these types of lawsuits.

We have successfully handled hundreds of cruise ship medical negligence cases and we have fought tirelessly to help shape the law that applies to cruise ship medical negligence cases. Our decades of advocacy in this precise practice area make us perfectly suited to handle any and all cruise ship medical malpractice claims.

When you become injured or ill aboard a cruise ship caused by the cruise line’s medical provider’s negligence, you have the right to file a medical malpractice claim against the cruise ship. Get help demanding justice for your cruise ship injuries with our team on your side. We have a powerful track record of success and have the utmost confidence that we can help your family obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. Continue reading to learn more about how our cruise ship accident attorneys can help you through your cruise ship medical malpractice case. Contact our team as soon as possible for a free, no-obligation consultation so we can begin fighting for your rights.

What Is Medical Malpractice on Cruise Ships?

It is more common than you think for cruise ship medical malpractice to occur. When passengers or crew members require medical attention while aboard a cruise ship, the medical providers should be capable of providing them with the best care possible. Unfortunately, medical negligence on cruise ships continues to be a substantial cause for concern.

Cruise ship medical malpractice issues most frequently occur when providers fail to uphold the medical standard of care. In some instances, passengers and crew members suffer life-threatening or even fatal injuries. Your cruise ship medical malpractice lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. can help you figure out whether you have grounds for a claim and take the necessary steps to make sure the at-fault parties are held accountable for their negligence.

Meeting the Elements of Negligence in Your Cruise Ship Medical Malpractice Case

The elements of negligence must be met for your cruise ship medical malpractice claim to be successful. These elements include:

• The medical provider owed a duty of care to the crew member or a cruise ship passenger.
• The medical provider breached their duty of care by failing to uphold the medical standard of care.
• The medical provider’s actions were the cause or substantial contributing cause of the victim’s injuries or damages.
• A Crewmember or passenger suffered injuries or death.

Filing a Cruise Ship Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

Negligent medical treatment on cruises is far more common than you might think. Fortunately, our team is well-equipped to handle all cruise ship legal cases, including medical malpractice incidents at sea. Our team will carefully evaluate the circumstances of your case to determine what legal options are available to you. If your cruise ship had a medical facility aboard, which virtually all cruise lines do, you may have the opportunity to file a claim against the cruise line and its medical staff.

Cruise lines can often be held accountable for the actions of their medical providers and other crewmembers when their negligent actions are the cause of passenger injuries or damages.

When Cruise Ships Can Be Responsible for Medical Malpractice

Cruise ships are often held accountable for the damages of victims who suffer medical emergencies on cruises. If cruise lines advertise medical services for passengers, they are more likely to be held accountable for cruise ship medical accidents. Cruise ships are most often held accountable when they hire medical staff providing passengers and crew members with medical treatment and care.

They can also be sued if they fail to provide their healthcare team with the medical equipment or tools they need to properly care for passengers. Cruise ship passenger rights are taken seriously by our maritime injury attorneys. We will do everything possible to identify cruise ship negligence so you can access the financial compensation you are owed.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice On Cruise Ships

Medical malpractice aboard cruise ships can take various forms. Some of the most prevalent types of medical mistakes and errors include:

• Misdiagnosis
• Delayed diagnoses
• Failure to provide the right medical treatment
• Failure to provide medical care quickly
• Failure to carefully monitor patients
• Discouraging passengers from obtaining treatment
• Refusing to treat passengers
• Failing to timely disembark the passenger to obtain proper shoreside treatment

Common Accidents and Incidents Requiring a Cruise Ship Medical Provider

Most cruise passengers will not require medical attention. However, there are certain accidents and incidents that may require treatment from an experienced medical provider:

Cruise Ship Activity Accidents

One of the draws of a cruise is the ability to participate in a wide variety of activities. Unfortunately, participation in these activities can go from enjoyable to dangerous, quickly.

Slip and Falls

Slip and fall accidents aboard cruise ships may be one of the most common reasons passengers and crew members seek medical treatment. Slips and falls can be caused by slippery floors, debris on dance floors or walkways, spilled beverages, and more.

Food Poisoning

Another top reason passengers book cruises is because of the delicious food options. However, when the cruise line fails to store or prepare food properly, passengers and crew members can develop food poisoning and other related foodborne illnesses.

Sexual Assault, Rape, and Assault

Physical and sexual assault happens aboard cruise ships more often than you might think. Cruise lines have an obligation to protect their passengers to every reasonable extent possible. If you are raped, sexually assaulted, or physically assaulted, you may not only require medical treatment and care but have the right to sue the cruise line for negligence.

These are just a few of the most common reasons you may require medical care when you are traveling on a cruise. Medical negligence on a ship can take all forms. We have successfully handled all types of cruise ship medical negligence, including failure to diagnose a stroke or heart attack and failure to properly treat injuries such as fractures.  No matter what type of accident or incident you are involved in, you should be able to rely on cruise ship medical providers to treat your condition and give you high-quality medical care. When they fail to uphold this obligation, it can cause debilitating and life-threatening injuries, illness, or even death. Make sure you have a reputable cruise ship accident attorney by your side who can help you demand justice.

Challenges Your Cruise Ship Medical Malpractice Claim May Face

There are several potential challenges your cruise ship medical malpractice claim may face. Fortunately, when you have our attorneys working for you, you can rest easier knowing we are more than equipped to handle it. Some of the most common types of challenges that occur in cruise ship medical malpractice lawsuits include:

• Medical staff being from foreign countries
• Jurisdiction issues
• Questions surrounding vicarious liability
• Unique maritime laws that apply to cruise ship medical negligence cases

Our Cruise Ship Medical Malpractice Attorneys Will Fight for the Total Financial Compensation You Deserve

Our cruise ship accident lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P. A. are the nation’s leading litigation attorneys in maritime law and cruise ship medical malpractice claims. In total, 4 of our attorneys have been selected as “Best Lawyers” ® in America, and the firm has been selected as one of the country’s “Best Law Firms” ® by US News & World Report every year since 2016. We are proud to advocate for our client’s rights and make sure injury victims have the legal support they need to get through some of the most difficult times in their lives.

If you or someone you love was seriously injured or killed due to medical malpractice aboard a cruise ship, our team is ready to help you maximize your financial compensation. Contact our team now or call us at 877–233–1238 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a respected and knowledgeable cruise ship accident attorney at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P. A.