Charleston Falling Overboard Lawyer
The United States Coast Guard estimates that in 2017 there will be 23 million people who take to the seas aboard cruise ships.
While a majority of these individuals will enjoy their vacations, it is important to understand the risks and safety issues that can arise while aboard a cruise ship. One risk passengers and crewmembers face is falling overboard while on a cruise ship.
Unfortunately, these accidents are not as rare as you might think. In a tragic accident in March of 2017, a passenger fell overboard while on a cruise off the coast of Cuba.
However, these large cruise ships are not the only vessels that passengers can fall overboard and suffer injuries, and the Charleston falling overboard lawyers at Howell Law Group are prepared to help injured victims and their families recover compensation for their injuries and their losses for all types of falling overboard accidents.
Causes of Falling Overboard Accidents
Falling overboard on a cruise ship can be disastrous resulting in serious and life-threatening injuries and in many cases death. Cruise ships have a responsibility for ensuring the safety of all passengers aboard. Cruise ship falling overboard accidents can happen for a variety of reasons including:
- Inadequate and defective handrails
- Cruise ships failing to warn of rough seas
- Violent actions of crewmembers and passengers
- Excessive intoxication from ship’s bars and restaurants
In 2010, Congress passed the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 which requires all cruise ships to have handrails that are 42 inches or higher above the cabin deck by January of 2012.
Sadly more than eight years after this bill was passed, there are still numerous vessels coming in and out of United States ports, and the Port of Charleston that are not in compliance with this federal law.
Cruise Ship and Vessel Liability and Compensation
It is important for anyone considering boarding a large cruise ship or indeed any other passenger carrying vessel to understand their rights as well as liability for accidents and injuries.
Many large cruise liners require their passengers to sign liability waivers, which try and limit the cruise line or vessels liability for accidents and injuries that occur while aboard. However, this does not mean that cruise lines and other vessels are relieved of any obligations.
Cruise ships and other vessels are required to provide passengers with a safe environment which means ensuring that the vessel is fit for the sea, as well as complying with federal safety laws such as those established in Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010.
A person who is injured or who falls overboard may be entitled to compensation and damages covering their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Additionally, those who have lost a loved one in a fall overboard accident can work with a falling overboard attorney at Howell Law Group, to recover for the loss of their loved one.
Contact a Charleston Falling Overboard Attorney Today
The Charleston falling overboard lawyers at Howell Law Group have the experience, dedication, and resources to help protect your rights and help hold large cruise ship companies accountable for their actions causing a fall overboard accident.