Cowen Edwards represents passengers injured on Viking cruises in Fort Lauderdale. Cruises are meant to be a stress-free getaway, but accidents can still happen. If you’ve been hurt on board, you probably have a lot of different questions about what you can do. Our experienced team of cruise injury lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Would You Need a Lawyer?
Accidents can happen on Viking cruises, and if you’re seriously hurt, dealing with medical bills and your other losses can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why you would need a lawyer–and here’s how we can help you:
- Explain your rights so you know what to do next.
- Investigate what happened and who’s responsible.
- Assess your injuries and costs to build a strong case.
- Negotiate with Viking’s insurance to get a fair settlement.
- Handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery.
Viking may have you sign a liability waiver, but that doesn’t mean they’re off the hook if negligence caused your injury. If the cruise line failed to keep you safe, you still have legal options–and we’re here to help.
What Leads to Injuries on a Viking Cruise?
There’s a lot of different things you can do when you step aboard a Viking cruise. Unfortunately, though, this can also lead to pretty serious injuries in an accident. Here are some common injury risks that you and other passengers might face:
- Slippery surfaces – Wet floors around pools, dining areas, and decks can lead to dangerous slips and falls.
- Rough seas – Strong waves and sudden ship movements can cause passengers to lose balance and get injured.
- Safety hazards – Missing or poorly maintained handrails, safety signs, and life-saving equipment can increase the risk of accidents.
- Excursion and activity risks – Onboard entertainment and off-ship excursions can be dangerous if not properly supervised.
- Crew mistakes – Errors in maintenance, navigation, or general ship operations can put passengers at risk.
- Security issues – Inadequate security can lead to theft, assault, or other safety concerns.
- Equipment failures – While rare, mechanical breakdowns or faulty ship systems can cause accidents.
- Fire and electrical hazards – Malfunctioning electrical systems or mishandled fires can pose serious risks.
- Food-related issues – Poor food handling can lead to food poisoning, and excessive alcohol consumption can result in injuries or conflicts.
Even with Viking’s high standards for keeping you and other passengers safe, these dangers can and do happen. If you’re hurt due to negligence, it’s about taking the right steps to set up a potential claim. But the starting point is figuring out who pays for your damages.
Who’s Liable for an Accident on a Viking Cruise?
When an accident occurs on a Viking cruise, figuring out who’s responsible can be complicated. While Viking has the primary duty to ensure the safety of its passengers, other parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. Generally, proving responsibility means showing that:
- Viking is responsible for maintaining a safe environment. If they fail to do so–whether through negligence, unsafe conditions, or not following safety procedures–they could be held accountable for any injuries or harm that result.
Although Viking will likely be the main party responsible if you’re hurt on one of their cruises, other people or organizations could share some of the blame, such as:
- Other passengers
- Food suppliers or kitchen staff
- Crew members
- Third-party contractors or security
- Manufacturers or suppliers of faulty equipment
Viking cruises are governed by maritime law, which is similar to Florida’s negligence laws, requiring the cruise line to prioritize passenger safety. Florida’s comparative negligence rule means that if you’re partially at fault for the accident, your damages could be reduced. For example, if you’re found 10% responsible, your settlement would be reduced by 10%.
What Should You Do After an Injury on a Viking Cruise?
When there’s an accident and you’re injured while on a Viking cruise, you don’t automatically get the financial support that the law makes available to you. You have to build a case, and you can do that by taking certain steps:
- Get help – The first thing you need to do is get help. Report the accident to a crew member or the ship’s management. They’ll point you to the ship’s first aid station, but if you’re more seriously hurt, make sure they get you to a hospital or better medical care.
- Document the accident – Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazards that might have caused your injuries. Keep any other evidence you collect.
- Talk to witnesses – Get contact details from anyone who saw what happened, as their statements can support your case.
- Be careful with statements – When speaking to ship management or insurance reps, stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.
- Keep records – Track all medical treatments, prescriptions, and any care you receive.
Your health is the priority, but taking these steps will help build a strong claim. However, the more serious your injuries, the harder it will be to take these steps yourself–which is why having our team on your side can make a big difference.
What Can You Get in an Injury Claim After a Viking Cruise Accident?
Generally speaking, an injury on a Viking cruise is like an injury at any other place of business. When negligence is involved, it gives you the right to file an injury claim to recover “damages.” You do this by filing either an insurance claim or a lawsuit, but you might be able to recover things like:
- Medical expenses – This covers your hospital bills, medications, surgeries, and medical devices you might need. This can also include coverage for physical therapy and mental health treatment.
- Lost wages – This covers any income you lose due to missed work, including future earnings.
- Property damage – This provides repair or replacement costs if your personal belongings were damaged in the accident.
- Pain and suffering – This provides financial support for your physical and mental pain caused by the injury.
- Emotional distress – Similarly, this covers costs relating to your emotional challenges, like anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health struggles caused by the accident.
- Reduced quality of life – This provides financial support if your injury reduces your ability to do activities you once loved.
Every cruise injury case is unique, and claims against a large company like Viking can take time. But with our experienced team on your side, we’ll work to make the process smoother and fight for the best possible outcome for you.
Contact Cowen Edwards After an Injury on a Viking Cruise in Fort Lauderdale
If you’ve been injured on a Viking cruise in Fort Lauderdale, it’s a scary situation. Filing a claim can be complex, but our experienced cruise injury lawyers at Cowen Edwards will guide you through the process. We’ll help you figure out who’s at fault, gather evidence, and work to get you the financial support you need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
