Cruise Ship Accidents Prompt Legislative Action (Continued)
The proposed cruise ship legislation would require tangible security efforts on the part of cruise lines. These upgrades include stateroom equipment such as coded door keys, interior deadbolt latches and one-way peep holes for passenger safety. These alone are simple but effective deterrents to
unlawful or forced entry, physical or sexual assault, and/or bodily or mental injury.
Further standards would be enacted regarding who among staff can enter staterooms in regular or emergency circumstances. Some disappearances and suspected overboard falls could have been initiated through unauthorized access by unscrupulous crew members or other passengers. This provision would close that loophole for investigators.
The Cruise Safety Act of 2009 also addresses consumer concerns that cruise lines do not respond well to alleged commission of crimes or reparation for accidental or intentional injury. Creating a reporting standard that includes the cruise line, the U.S. Coast Guard and the
Federal Bureau of Investigation would tighten the net surrounding cruise ship crimes. It would also form a public platform of accountability for personal injury sustained in connection with cruise ship crimes.
This may be good news for victims of crime and accidents aboard cruise ships. Increased focus on
crime scene reporting and medical examinations could aid lawsuits based on sexual assault charges. The more extensive reporting requirements might also aid maritime attorneys in recovering damages for their injured clients.
If you have been harmed in a cruise ship accident, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you are on dry land. When meeting with a lawyer you’ll want to ask critical questions such as: how long have you been practicing law; do you have experience with cruise ship accident cases; what is the biggest settlement or verdict you have won?
Whocanisue.com has the largest directory of trained cruise ship injury attorneys on the Web! Find an experienced
personal injury attorney in your area now!