Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Blog
When you are enjoying cocktails at a bar or at home, you know the effects of alcohol. After just a drink, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises and there are impacts on the human body. Reflexes are slow and delayed, speech is slurred, and vision becomes blurry. A few more beverages, and the individual may become belligerent, lose muscle coordination, and pass out. Obviously, alcohol has the same effects when you are on a Miami cruise. However, there are certain unique factors that put passengers at a higher risk compared to imbibing around home.
Cruise operators know guests like to cut loose on vacation, but they still have a duty to ensure responsible alcohol service. Being overserved puts you at risk, while other drunken passengers could be a threat to you and your family when you are entirely sober. It is wise to discuss your legal options with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer if you suffered injuries, since you may qualify to recover compensation for your losses. An overview of the dangers of overserving cruise guests is also useful.
Risks of Alcohol Impairment on Cruises
It is one thing to have a few too many while sitting on a bar stool, but keep in mind the amenities and activities onboard a typical cruise vacation. If you are overserved by crew members, your physical coordination decreases and judgment falters – leading you to take more risks. Alcohol and certain adventures do NOT mix, such as:
- Pools, water slides, wave pools, and other water-based activities;
- Hot tubs, where the heat intensifies the effects of alcohol;
- Zip lines, rock climbing walls; and,
- Shore excursions to the cruise line’s private island, where passengers enjoy wave runners, jet skis, Hobie cats, and other water sports.
Dangers Posed by Other Drunken Passengers
There is nothing worse than encountering a boorish, obnoxious individual who has been overserved. The slightest glance or a few words could set that person off, potentially leading to a violent physical altercation. A drunken passenger may not be able to take “No” for an answer, putting another guest at risk of sexual assault. Plus, there is a factor you might not consider, but which could be a serious threat — an intoxicated passenger holding a grudge or seeking a sexual encounter can easily follow you back to your cabin.
How Being Drunk Could Impact Your Rights
Another point to keep in mind is how being intoxicated could affect your legal remedies if you were hurt. There can be challenges with proving a claim for cruise accident injuries when you disregarded your own safety by drinking too much. Your own negligence might serve to reduce or bar compensation.
Our Miami Cruise Ship Accidents Attorneys Will Pursue Available Remedies
Adults are ultimately responsible for their own decision making on a cruise, but overserving alcohol puts many passengers at risk. For more information about your legal options, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA. We can schedule a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.