Chicago, IL Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Attorneys Assisting With Boating Accidents Throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean

There are many ways to be injured on the water. Whether you are a swimmer, the operator of a fishing boat, or a passenger on a cruise ship, you can find yourself in high risk situations for serious and even fatal injuries. When the negligent actions or omissions of an individual, corporation, or other entity result in harm, they can and must be held accountable. When boating accidents or cruise ship injuries occur, it is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney.

The law firm of Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC provides skilled legal representation in a wide variety of accident and injury cases, and we are dedicated to achieving justice for victims. With our knowledge of local, national, and international laws, we can ensure that victims' rights are protected and negligent parties are held responsible for the harm they have caused.

Legal Concerns in Boat Accidents

Accidents involving boats and watercraft can be similar to a motor vehicle collision. Injuries may also involve other forms of negligence on the part of private owners, commercial operators, or government entities. We can help secure compensation for injuries involving:

• Private watercraft owners - Owners of motorboats, sailboats, yachts, or personal watercraft such as jet skis may be held liable for injuries that occurred because they operated their vessels in a negligent manner. In many cases, alcohol consumption plays a role in accidents involving privately-owned boats, and those who put others at risk by operating watercraft while intoxicated should be held responsible for the injuries caused as a result.
• Boat and watercraft rentals - A person or company that rents watercraft to consumers has the responsibility to ensure that boats are properly maintained and that users receive training in the safe operation of these vehicles. Failure to do so is a form of negligence, and owners may be liable for injuries that occur as a result.
• Tour boats and ferries - Private companies or public entities may be liable for injuries suffered on these boats, as well as damage to personal property that occurred because of negligent operation or improper security.

Cruise Ship Injuries

Injuries that take place on cruise ships can present complex legal concerns, since these vessels are often operated by companies located outside the United States, and they travel in international waters. In these cases, a knowledge of international and maritime law may be necessary to determine liability for injuries.

Some common injuries which occur on cruise ships include:

• Slip and falls - Unsafe conditions on a cruise ship can cause passengers to suffer serious fall injuries, especially if they fall to a lower level or overboard. These accidents may occur if walkways are not kept free of debris or slipping hazards or if improper maintenance results in broken or unsafe railings or stairways.
• Defective equipment - A large cruise ship has a large variety of complex systems, and the failure of equipment such as lifeboats, engines, air conditioning, or water filtration systems can result in serious harm to passengers.
• Food poisoning - When cruise ship personnel fail to follow the proper food preparation procedures, this can lead to dangerous foodborne illnesses including Norovirus, Salmonella and E. Coli, being spread among passengers.
• Assault - Passengers may suffer intentional harm from crew members, other passengers, or others who board a ship. Failure to provide proper security or to take the necessary steps to protect passenger safety may be considered a form of negligence.

Contact a Chicago Boat Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in an accident involving a privately-owned boat, cruise ship, or other type of watercraft, the attorneys of TKK can help you receive compensation for your damages. Contact our Illinois personal injury lawyers today by calling 312-605-8800 to schedule a free consultation. We have extensive experience with boating and cruise ship injuries throughout the United States and the Caribbean.