Top 8 Actions You Should Take If You Have Been the Victim of a Cruise Ship Assault

When you board the cruise ship leaving from Galveston, or other port in the United States, you are focusing on the great vacation ahead. This trip may have been something you have had planned for years and have spent a great time and effort saving for. You picture the nice dinners, shows, activities onboard and excursions. What you don’t imagine is being assaulted on the ship. Unfortunately, many cruise trips take a turn for the worse and people find themselves victims of cruise ship assault.

Assault on a cruise ship can come in many devastating forms, including rape and sexual assault. What happens to many passengers is that they let their guard down – after all, they are on vacation. Cruise passengers believe that they are in a safe environment, but past experience has shown that this is not always the case.

If you or a family member has been the victim of cruise ship assault, you need to take action. Below is a list of things that you need to do:

1. Report the incident to the security department onboard the ship.
2. Seek medical attention at the ship’s infirmary.
3. Obtain the name of the crewmember who assaulted you.
4. Get the names of any witnesses.
5. Go to the hospital as soon as possible.
6. Follow through with medical treatment for your injuries.
7. Take pictures of your injuries.
8. Contact an experienced Houston maritime attorney.

You do have legal rights as a cruise ship victim and can pursue damages for your injuries. Usually passengers are protected under a federal law, known as General Maritime Law. It is important that you contact a maritime lawyer immediately, as there is only a short time frame in which you can file your claim.

Contact Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at 713.224.7800 for more information regarding cruise assault cases.