Woman suffers fatal fall from cruise ship deck

A cruise should be a relaxing and exciting experience. Many Miami residents and tourists take cruises every year to get away and enjoy a vacation. When a vacation takes a tragic turn, however, it can be devastating. A woman was involved in a fatal cruise ship accident last week and her boyfriend suffered injuries as well.

The woman and her boyfriend were on board the Queen Mary ocean liner. They were on the fourth-floor deck. At some point, witnesses say they saw the woman fall nearly 75 feet and land in the freezing ocean. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. She passed away soon after.

After the woman fell, her boyfriend reportedly jumped in the frigid water to save her. He was also brought to the hospital and treated for hypothermia. He is expected to make a full physical recovery, though the emotional damages may never completely heal.

While the exact events leading up the woman’s fall are still unknown, it is being investigated as an accident. Police will determine what factors may have played a role in her fall and subsequent death.

What some people may not realize is that offshore injuries fall under different laws than injuries that can happen on land. In some cases, it can be proved that a ship owner has been negligent and therefore liable for any injury or wrongful death that occurs as a result. A Miami lawyer with experience in maritime personal injury will be able to determine whether a victim qualifies for compensation.

Source: Associated Press, “Woman dies in fall from Queen Mary cruise ship,” Dec. 6, 2011