JMW Secures £300,000 for Passenger Injured in Cruise Ship Accident

JMW’s holiday accident solicitors secured £300,000 in damages plus rehabilitation costs for a passenger who sustained a serious ankle injury after slipping on water in the bathroom of her cruise ship cabin.

The accident happened while our client, Ms X, was on a cruise with her family in Malta. She had already raised concerns about a leaking toilet in her cabin and understood that cruise employees had carried out repairs. However, water later leaked onto the bathroom floor, causing her to slip and fall.

The Case

Ms X went to use the bathroom in her cabin in the early hours of the morning when she slipped on water on the floor. The water appeared to have come from the toilet, which had previously been reported as leaking.

She sustained an open fracture to her right ankle. The injury was limb-threatening and required urgent hospital treatment in Malta, where she underwent emergency surgery, including the application of an external fixator.

After around a week in hospital abroad, Ms X was repatriated to the UK. She remained an in-patient for a prolonged period because of complications linked to her injury. The accident had a significant impact on her mobility, independence and day-to-day life, particularly given the serious nature of the fracture and the support she needed during her recovery.

How Did JMW Help?

JMW submitted a letter of claim to the company that arranged the cruise, seeking damages under the Athens Convention, which governs many claims involving injuries sustained during cruise travel.

The defendant made an early admission of liability for the accident. This allowed JMW to move quickly to secure support for Ms X under the Rehabilitation Code. An immediate needs assessment was arranged, and the defendant agreed to fund ongoing rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and psychological therapy to support her recovery.

JMW also issued proceedings at an early stage and successfully applied for interim payments. These payments helped Ms X to buy and adapt a bungalow, creating a safer environment for her discharge from hospital. They also funded important aids and adaptations to help her manage daily life with greater independence.

Throughout the claim, JMW focused on the practical support Ms X needed, as well as the long-term impact of the accident. This included her rehabilitation, accommodation needs and the equipment required to support her recovery.

The Outcome

JMW negotiated an outcome with the cruise company that secured £300,000 in damages for Ms X, plus the costs of her rehabilitation.

The compensation reflected the seriousness of her ankle injury, the complications she experienced and the practical support she needed after leaving hospital. It also helped to provide a safer and more suitable home environment, giving Ms X greater security as she continued her recovery.