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You are in: Home Page | News Desk | News Story

17th April 2009

Cruise liner pays £10,000 to holidaymaker

Injured on a cruise

The 46-year-old, from Accrington in Lancashire, fell while aboard the Navigator of the Seas during a two week Mediterranean cruise with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

She was walking out onto the deck of the cruise ship when she slipped on melted ice cream which had spilt from a faulty machine.

She broke her wrist and was rushed to the ship’s onboard health centre but had to wait two days before she could be taken to hospital in Monaco where her wrist was set.

She had to take several weeks off work as a result of the injury. Once she returned to work she was on light duties for months. Her wrist is now recovered but she still suffers from pain during cold weather.

Accident completely ruined holiday

Her husband, a retained firefighter, contacted his union the FBU which instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for accident compensation.

He said: “It was a relief to know we had the FBU’s backing to pursue a claim for compensation. I knew that their free legal services extended to family members but I wasn’t sure if they would cover holiday claims as well.

“This accident completely ruined our holiday and my wife was forced to take sick leave from her job. The cruise company should have replaced the faulty machine before such an accident could happen.”

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines admitted liability and replaced the ice cream machine when the ship docked in Monaco.

Holiday Injury Claims

General Secretary at the FBU Matt Wrack said: “Too often our members have what is supposed to be a relaxing holiday, destroyed by accidents which could easily have been avoided. We are only too pleased to support holiday injury claims.

“In the lead up to the summer months many of our members will be thinking about taking a break abroad and they can be reassured that if they do get hurt due to someone else's fault as part of the free legal service for FBU members we would be happy to help.”

Imogen Wetton of Thompsons added: “Holidaymakers travelling on cruise ships are protected by the Athens Convention. Under the convention these operators must ensure they provide a safe environment for their passengers. In this case Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines failed to do so.”

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury on holiday or developed an illness on holiday, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury compensation claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.

Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for holiday injury compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a holiday injury claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.