Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Of all the types of injuries that happen on cruises, burns from hot surfaces on pool areas and decks are something you do not expect. Considering the direct sun that strikes these surfaces all day long, the temperatures reach molten-hot levels quickly. As a result, the risk of serious injuries is high when cruise operators fail to protect passengers.
Cruise lines can be liable for any injury that results from their negligence, including burns from hot surfaces. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can explain the legal process, but some information about your rights is helpful.
How Cruise Ship Decks Become Dangerously Hot
Sun decks on cruise ships are built with materials like teak, composite decking, and dark-colored tiles that absorb and retain heat under direct sunlight. Combined with reflective glare off the water and minimal airflow in certain deck areas, surface temperatures can soar well above safe levels within minutes. Passengers are especially vulnerable in the spaces where they will be walking barefoot, such as near:
- Pools and hot tubs
- Sunbathing areas
- Splash pads
- Water slides
Recognizing the Severity of a Hot Surface Burn
Hot deck injuries can be serious enough to fit the definition of first, second, or third-degree burns. Symptoms include blistering, swelling, intense pain, and, in serious cases, nerve or tissue damage. Because cruise ships often have limited onboard medical resources, injuries may worsen before proper treatment is available. Delayed care increases infection risk and long-term scarring.
Signs of Negligence by Cruise Operators
Cruise lines have a legal duty to protect passengers from foreseeable hazards, and extreme deck temperatures are certainly something to expect on vacations in warm climates. Keep an eye out for signs that the company is not upholding its duty, such as:
- Failing to post warning signs
- Inadequate shade structures
- Broken misting systems
- Failure to test surface temperatures during peak sun hours
Poor maintenance schedules and cost-cutting on cooling infrastructure frequently contribute to these incidents.
What to Do if You Suffered Burns on a Cruise Ship Deck
First, make sure to report the injury to the ship staff immediately and request medical documentation. This paperwork will be important evidence to prove your claim. Take photos of the burn, the deck surface, and any missing warning signs. It is also important to save your boarding pass and shipboard medical records.
As soon as possible, you should consult with a cruise ship injury lawyer who can assist with other legal tasks. Meeting deadlines, organizing evidence, and negotiating a settlement are the next crucial steps in the claims process.
Contact a Miami Cruise Ship Accident Attorney for Legal Details
When you have an experienced lawyer to advocate on your behalf, you can focus on recovering from your burn injuries. Cruise lines have teams of attorneys working to protect their bottom line, so retaining skilled counsel evens the playing field.
The team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA, has decades of experience holding cruise operators accountable for preventable injuries. For more information, please call (305) 371-6000. We can schedule a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.
