Cruise Ship Slip and Falls

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Cruise ships contain pools, restaurants, stairs, exterior decks, thresholds, ramps, elevators, entertainment areas, and crowded walkways. Water, food, cleaning products, worn surfaces, poor lighting, abrupt elevation changes, and inadequate warnings can create serious fall hazards.

After a fall, photograph the exact location and surrounding area as soon as possible. Conditions can change quickly because crew members clean spills, move furniture, place warning signs, or repair surfaces. Photographs showing lighting, handrails, flooring, weather, crowding, and the absence or presence of warnings can be important.

Report the incident and request medical attention. Obtain the names and contact information of witnesses, including other passengers who are not employed by the cruise line. Keep the incident-report number and ask for a copy if the cruise line will provide one.

Cruise negligence cases often turn on whether the cruise line created the dangerous condition or knew, or should have known, about it. Prior incidents, inspection practices, cleaning procedures, video surveillance, maintenance records, and crew testimony may therefore matter.

Preserve the passenger ticket and booking documents. Cruise contracts can contain notice requirements, shortened filing deadlines, and forum-selection clauses that determine where a lawsuit must be filed.