Cruise vacations should be filled with relaxation, enjoyment, and unforgettable experiences. However, the unthinkable can happen when you least expect it. If you or a loved one experiences a sexual assault on a cruise ship, it’s essential to know the steps to take to protect your rights and seek justice.
Prioritize Your Safety
Your immediate safety is the top priority. If you’re in danger, call for help. Cruise ships have security personnel available 24/7. Reach out to them directly to report the assault, or find another staff member who can connect you with security.
Seek Medical Attention
After reporting the assault, seek medical attention. The ship’s medical staff will:
- Provide the necessary treatment
- Document your injuries
- Collect evidence, such as DNA samples and photographs of any injuries
Even if you don’t have visible injuries, a medical exam is crucial for your well-being and your legal case. The exam can provide evidence of the assault and help prevent potential health issues, such as sexually transmitted infections.
Dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault can be emotionally devastating. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for support.
Report the Crime
Once you inform cruise ship security of the assault, they must report crimes to the FBI and the United States Coast Guard. Provide a detailed account of the incident and any evidence you’ve collected, including clothing, any electronic communications with the attacker, or photos of the crime scene. Be as specific as possible about what happened.
Reporting the crime as soon as possible will help law enforcement collect evidence and bolster your case against the attacker.
Contact an Experienced Sexual Assault Attorney
Understanding the legal system after a sexual assault can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with the unique challenges of a cruise ship case. Look for an experienced sexual assault attorney who understands maritime law and has a track record of success in handling similar cases.
At Lehrman Law in Boca Raton, Florida, we dedicate ourselves to advocating for the rights of sexual assault survivors. We understand the trauma you’re going through and will fight tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable by:
- Helping you understand your legal rights and options
- Gathering evidence to build a strong case on your behalf
- Handling communication with the cruise line, law enforcement, and other parties involved
- Fighting for the compensation you deserve for your physical, emotional, and financial injuries
Reach out to an attorney as soon as possible after the assault. The sooner you have legal representation, the better protected your rights will be.
Understand Your Rights
Cruise lines must provide a safe environment for their passengers and properly investigate any reported crimes. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for an assault.
It’s important to note that cruise ship cases have unique challenges. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights, including:
- The right to a reasonably safe environment on the ship
- The right to have any reported crime properly investigated by the cruise line and law enforcement
- The right to seek compensation for losses resulting from the assault, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
An attorney can help you assert these rights and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions or negligence.
Take Action By Contacting an Attorney Now
If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted on a cruise ship, you must take action to protect your rights and seek the justice you deserve. Contact Lehrman Law today for a confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and fight for your rights.