She accepted the ship’s medical team’s recommendation for ice and rest, filed a brief incident report, and continued her vacation with some discomfort. However, upon returning home, an MRI revealed she had actually torn her ACL and damaged cartilage, requiring surgery and months of physical therapy. This was in addition to her broken arm which was healing slowly.
Meanwhile, on the same cruise, Robert suffered what appeared to be a similar slip and fall accident on the same wet deck. His injuries, however, while still painful, were less severe and only required therapy and not surgery.
When both passengers eventually pursued compensation from the cruise line after hiring cruise ship accident lawyers, Jennifer received a settlement of $135,000 while Robert received, well, much less.
This dramatic difference in compensation illustrates a fundamental principle in cruise ship injury cases: the severity of your injuries directly and significantly impacts how much compensation you can receive.
While both passengers experienced the same type of accident caused by the cruise line’s negligence, the extent of their physical harm, medical treatment needs, and life impact determined vastly different financial outcomes.
Understanding how injury severity affects compensation is crucial for anyone who has been hurt on a cruise ship.
The maritime legal system recognizes that not all injuries are created equal, and compensation must reflect the true cost and impact of your specific harm. From minor cuts requiring basic first aid to catastrophic injuries resulting in permanent disability, the spectrum of potential compensation can range from hundreds of dollars to millions, depending on the severity and long-term consequences of your injuries.
Yes, the severity of your injuries absolutely impacts your compensation amount in cruise ship injury cases.
How Injury Severity Affects Compensation
Direct Correlation:
More severe injuries typically result in higher settlements because they generate:
- Higher medical costs (surgeries, extended treatment, rehabilitation)
- Longer recovery periods and lost wages
- Greater pain and suffering
- Potential permanent disability or disfigurement
- Long-term care needs
Examples:
- Minor cuts/bruises: Hundreds to low thousands
- Broken bones requiring surgery: Tens of thousands
- Traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage: Hundreds of thousands to millions
Traumatic injuries can occur from falls, excursion accidents (like accidents on jet skis or water taxis), near drownings and a variety of medical malpractice incidents, specifically those were health issues go untreated or misdiagnosed.
Related Questions You and Your Cruise Injury Attorney Should Address:
“What factors beyond injury severity affect my compensation?”
- Age and earning capacity
- Pre-existing conditions
- Degree of cruise line negligence
- Your own contributory actions
- Quality of medical documentation
“How do cruise ship settlements compare to land-based injury cases?”
- Maritime law limitations
- Potential damage caps
- Different liability standards
- Forum selection clauses
“What types of injuries typically receive the highest compensation?”
- Permanent disabilities
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
- Injuries requiring multiple surgeries
- Cases involving medical malpractice aboard ship
“How is pain and suffering calculated for cruise ship injuries?”
- Multiplier methods
- Per diem approaches
- Impact on daily life activities
- Duration of suffering
“What mistakes can reduce my compensation amount?”
- Failing to report injuries immediately or within ticketing contract dates
- Not seeking proper medical care
- Accepting quick settlement offers
- Not documenting the accident scene
“How do pre-existing conditions affect my case?”
- Aggravation vs. new injury
- Medical record importance
- Apportionment of damages
“What’s the difference between economic and non-economic damages in cruise cases?”
- Medical bills and lost wages (economic)
- Pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment (non-economic)
- Potential punitive damages in extreme cases
Contact a Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer
The best approach is to spend a few minutes with an experienced cruise ship injury lawyer who can answer your questions and provide a clear understanding of what your legal rights are as an injured passenger.
For more information from our attorneys, please call us today. There is no obligation with the call – and – the call with our attorneys is free. Call today at 1-305-271-8282.
Our cruise ship accident lawyers have been helping injured passengers and crew members for more than 35 years. We help you understand your rights and will assist you in filing an injury claim against the cruise line. If you believe negligence played a role in your injury – or just have questions about the your accident – please contact our office today.
Call 1-305-271-8282. Serving clients in Florida and across the country.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be evaluated by an experienced cruise ship accident or maritime injury attorney.