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Case study · Holiday accident
£22,500 Compensation After a Cruise Passenger Slipped on Food Left on the Floor
Our client was on a cruise when they slipped on a piece of watermelon that had been left on the floor. They fell and injured their knee, and the pain relief prescribed by the ship's doctor didn't ease the pain. NJS Law, the firm behind Injuries Direct, brought the claim against the cruise operator's insurer and secured £22,500 in compensation.
How a cruise operator was held responsible for food left on the floor, and what it means if you've been hurt on holiday through no fault of your own.
- Claim type
- Holiday accident on a cruise
- Cause
- Watermelon left on the floor
- Injury
- Knee injury affecting their mobility
- Claim made against
- The cruise operator's insurer
What happened
Our client was on a cruise when they slipped on a piece of watermelon that had been left on the floor. They fell and injured their knee.
The ship's doctor prescribed pain relief, but it did not ease the pain, and our client struggled to walk.
The injuries
The fall left our client with a painful knee injury.
- A knee injury from the fall
- Pain that the ship's doctor's pain relief didn't ease
- Difficulty walking
How we helped
Solicitors at NJS Law brought the claim against the cruise operator's insurer. Cruise operators have a duty to keep their ships reasonably safe for passengers, including clearing up spills and dropped food.
- The claimBrought against the cruise operator's insurer, as the food had been left on the floor.
- Medical evidenceWe arranged independent medical evidence covering the knee injury and its effect on our client's mobility.
- NegotiationWe negotiated with the insurer until the claim was resolved.
- The outcomeCompensation of £22,500.
Key facts in this case
- A piece of watermelon had been left on the floor
- Our client slipped on it, fell and injured their knee
- Pain relief from the ship's doctor didn't ease the pain
- Our client struggled to walk
Every claim is different, and the outcome of your claim will depend on your circumstances.
What this case shows about accidents on cruises
If you've been hurt on a cruise or on holiday through no fault of your own, these are the points that matter most.
Ships must be kept reasonably safe
Cruise operators have a duty to keep their ships reasonably safe for passengers, including clearing up spills and dropped food.
Report it on board
If you're hurt on a cruise, report it to the crew and see the ship's doctor, so there's a record of the accident and your injury.
Time limits can be shorter
Claims for accidents on cruises and abroad can have shorter time limits than the usual three years, so get advice as soon as you can.
The operator's insurer pays
Compensation is usually paid by the cruise operator's insurer, not by the crew or staff on board.
Injured on holiday? Find out if you can claim
Whether your injury is serious or minor, our team will talk it through with you for free and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.
- Free, no-obligation first conversation
- No Win No Fee on eligible claims
- Personal injury solicitors at NJS Law
- Clear, supportive guidance throughout your claim
Prefer to talk now? 0330 818 1202
Cruise and holiday accident claims: FAQs
Can I claim if I slipped on a cruise ship?
You may be able to. Cruise operators have a duty to keep their ships reasonably safe for passengers, including clearing up spills and dropped food. If you slipped on something left on the floor and were hurt, you may be entitled to compensation.
Can I claim if my holiday accident happened abroad?
You may be able to. Who a claim is made against, and which rules apply, depends on where the accident happened and how you booked your holiday. We'll look at the details and explain your options.
What should I do if I'm injured on a cruise?
Report the accident to the crew, see the ship's doctor, and take photos of what caused your fall if you can. Note the names of any witnesses and keep receipts for any costs.
How much compensation could I receive?
It depends on how serious your injuries are, how long they affect you and what they've cost you, such as lost earnings and treatment. In this case, our client received £22,500. See our compensation guide to find out how compensation is worked out.
Is there a time limit for a cruise accident claim?
Time limits for accidents on cruises can be shorter than the usual three years for a personal injury claim, so contact us as soon as you can after your accident.
Will I have to pay anything upfront?
No. Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis. If your claim succeeds, a success fee and possibly other costs are deducted from your compensation. We'll explain this clearly before you start.
Injured on holiday through no fault of your own?
Talk to our personal injury team for free, with no obligation to claim. Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.