Cruise Control

A recent article in the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers publication PI Focus written by Captain Nathan Mills, a Master Mariner, marine consultant and surveyor, highlighted the significant rise in personal injury claims arising from incidents on board cruise ships.

It’s no surprise that slips, trips and falls make up the majority of accidents on board.

We were asked by a solicitor to assess a disabled elderly gentleman who had suffered injury when crew members had tipped him out of his wheelchair whilst trying to negotiate a ramp. The client had been on an excursion to land and the incident happened whilst trying to get him back on board the cruise ship. Physically he suffered a broken arm and cuts and bruises. Unfortunately, there was considerable delay in him receiving the medical treatment he needed for his injuries.

Our assessment identified that the client in addition to the physical injuries had also suffered psychological damage as a result of the incident. The injuries generated elevated physiological and psychological symptoms which directly contributed to increases in pain, sleep disturbance and sustained lowering of mood and confidence.

Our report identifying the psychological injuries was helpful to the solicitor in securing additional compensation for their client.