When you go on a cruise, you expect to have a fun, memorable and safe time. You expect the cruise ship’s amenities to be well-maintained and properly managed, and you expect to be warned of any risks involved with the activities onboard. Unfortunately, while these expectations are reasonable, they aren’t always met. As a result, many cruise passengers and parents find themselves in need of a FlowRider accident lawyer.
A FlowRider is an artificial wave simulator that allows cruise passengers to surf and skimboard on deck. While the apparatus is intended to be inviting for newbies, experience shows that FlowRiders can be extremely unsafe—particularly for inexperienced users. While cruise lines should provide adequate instruction and oversight, and while they should ensure that their FlowRiders are operating appropriately, many do not. Additionally, even when cruise lines take these steps, FlowRiders still present risks for serious injuries.
If you were injured on a FlowRider onboard a cruise ship, you may have a claim against the cruise line or the manufacturer. The same is true if your child was injured in a FlowRider accident at sea. FlowRiders are now installed on numerous cruise ships. According to the FlowRider website, the company has installed artificial wave simulators on cruise ships including:
The FlowRider website also indicates that the company’s artificial wave simulators have a flow rate of more than 100,000 gallons per minute. This creates water speeds of 20 to 35 miles per hour and waves up to six feet high. While these conditions may be fun for experienced professionals and world champions, they can be extremely dangerous for those who are not experienced and just want to have a good time while trying something new.
While accidental drowning is a risk with FlowRiders, these catastrophic accidents are relatively rare due to the number of people typically observing riders. However, non-fatal injuries are alarmingly common. The vast majority of these injuries result from sudden and unexpected falls. Since the water on a FlowRider is only a few inches deep, users who fall can easily suffer serious injuries including:
After a FlowRider accident onboard a cruise ship, there are some steps you should try to take promptly. For example, you should report the accident to cruise ship staff, and you should see the cruise ship’s doctor for treatment.
If any of your family members or fellow passengers have photos or videos of your accident, ask for a copy and save it to your phone. It is also a good idea to write down any details you can remember about your accident or the FlowRider, such as:
You will also want to speak with a FlowRider accident lawyer right away. You can—and should—call from the cruise ship if you are still onboard. You can get a free consultation over the phone, and your lawyer can explain everything you need to know in order to protect your legal rights.
If you were injured in a FlowRider accident on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the cruise line may be liable for your injuries. Cruise lines have a legal duty to ensure their guests’ safety, and when they breach this duty, they can—and should—be held legally responsible.
No. Signing a liability waiver does not mean you are unable to sue the cruise line. These liability waivers are void under federal law in many cases. If the cruise line should have taken steps to prevent the accident and failed to do so, you can still hire a FlowRider accident lawyer to file a claim on your behalf.
Even if this was your (or your child’s) first time riding a FlowRider, you can still file a claim in the event of an accident. The cruise line should have provided adequate warnings and taken steps to ensure your (or your child’s) safety. Its failure to do so entitles you to just compensation.
Do you need to talk to a FlowRider accident lawyer? If so, we encourage you to contact us promptly. Call 800-499-0551 or tell us how we can reach you online to get a free and confidential consultation.
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