Dealing with the “Irony Problem”: A Primer for Cruise Ship Accident Victims

In a recent library article, we explored how the typical cruise ship accident is fused with irony. We go on luxury vacations to "get away from it all"-to, in some way, shield ourselves from deep problems that have been bugging us. These problems can range from stresses at work to anguish over a recently-failed relationship to fear of mortality itself. Regardless of our reasons, we imagine that cruise liners will be safe, nurturing environments. When they turn out not to be - when we slip, fall, and hurt ourselves, get food poisoning, or otherwise get sick or injured - the result is ironic. There is a dissonance between expectation and result.

How do we get around this "irony problem" and make sure that our humiliation or frustration does not prevent us from getting good help?

Step 1: Recognize your inner thoughts.

Slow down, and take a good hard listen to your internal monologue. Write down some of your thoughts in a free flowing manner. For instance, spend 10 minutes journaling about the accident. Once you see your thoughts and recognize the patterns of your thinking, you can more objectively analyze them.

Step 2: Avoid letting inertia sink in.

Sometimes when we feel frustrated, humiliated, or embarrassed, we avoid taking action for fear of these feelings resurfacing and having to confront them again. Cruise ship victims may feel uncomfortable dredging up what happened because of pride. An ex-military commando, for instance, who survived five years of combat only to slip and fall on a deck and break his leg, might feel deeply ashamed and fail to get help. To break out of this tough, invincible mentality, action is key. Avoid letting self-pity or frustration prevent you from getting the help you need.

Step 3: Connect with a responsible, respectable cruise ship accident law firm.

The team at Vujasinovic & Beckcom ((888) 724-7800 and www.maritimeaccidentattorney.com) is here to answer your questions, help you get well, and walk you through the dos and don'ts of cruise ship accident law.