Slip and falls occur with regularity on gangways and ramps leading from cruise ships to land. The reason for this is simple. Often times these ramps are made of metal with anti-slip taped strips. Thousands of people walk these gangways each day causing the ramp to bend and the tape to deteriorate. Without proper maintenance from the cruise line, the anti-slip properties of the gangways are all but lost. Add rain water and the condition becomes quite hazardous.
Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, NCL, Disney, Silver Seas and Oceania owe their passengers the duty to reasonably keep the ships’ gangways safe for normal foot traffic. Often times the cruise lines fail to meet their obligation and slip and falls occur. Many times passengers who slip and fall suffer no injuries other than embarrassment. However, other times significant injuries can occur from gangway slip and falls. Passengers suffering these types of injuries should seriously consider seeking the advice of a seasoned cruise injury lawyer.
The partners at BBR’s Miami office are Board Certified Maritime Attorneys by the Florida Bar and have handled numerous gangway slip and fall cases throughout their career involving fractured ankles and wrists, herniated discs, torn rotator cuffs and menisci. If you slipped and fell on a cruise ship gangway and are thinking about bringing a lawsuit against a cruise line, feel free to contact our firm for a free consultation.
