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Injured on a Cruise? Recover Just Compensation with the Help of a FlowRider Accident Lawyer
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.
Were You Injured on a FlowRider Onboard a Cruise Ship?
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:
- Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas
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:
- Back, neck and spinal cord injuries
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Concussions and other more serious forms of brain trauma
- Head and face injuries (including eye, ear, nose and jaw injuries)
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Ligament sprains and tears
- Muscle and tendon strains and tears
What To Do After a FlowRider Accident Onboard a Cruise Ship
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:
- Were cruise line personnel present and observing the operation of the FlowRider?
- What type of board or device were you riding on the FlowRider?
- Did anyone say anything noteworthy after your accident (i.e., “That’s the second accident today,” or “This happens all the time.”)?
- Do you know what specifically caused you (or your child) to fall or lose control? For example, did the operator turn up the water flow rate, or was the floor especially slippery?
- How were the weather and sea conditions at the time of the accident?
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.
FAQs: Seeking Financial Compensation for a FlowRider Accident on a Cruise
Is Royal Caribbean Liable if I was Injured in a FlowRider Accident During a Cruise?
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.
If I Signed a Liability Waiver, Does This Mean I Can’t Sue the Cruise Line?
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.
What If I (or My Child) was Inexperienced and Didn’t Know How to Ride on the FlowRider?
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.
Talk to a FlowRider Accident Lawyer about Your Legal Rights for Free
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.
