Tragedy struck over the weekend after a 1-year-old girl died following a fall on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship while it was docked in Puerto Rico on Sunday. The child was traveling from Indiana with her family, including her parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, and younger brother.

It was initially reported that the child had slipped out of her grandfather’s hands and fell from the 11th floor of the Freedom of the Seas to the concrete floor on the Pan American dock II in San Juan.

However, there are now differing accounts as to what caused the child’s fall and whether the cruise line could have been to blame. The family insists the toddler fell due to an open glass pane that should have been securely closed on the ship.

They state that at the time of the fall, the family was gathered near the dining hall on the 11th floor. The grandfather placed the child on a railing he believed was backed by glass so she could look out, similar to what she did at her brother’s hockey games.  The toddler reportedly leaned forward to touch the glass and toppled out of the open panel onto the concrete deck below.

Local authorities are currently interviewing passengers who witnessed the fall. They will also be obtaining security footage from the ship to verify what exactly occurred.  The ship’s departure has been delayed due to the tragedy.

Earlier this year, a teenage male passenger died following a fall from the eighth-floor balcony on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship as it was docked in Haiti. He was attempting to go into his room at the time via a balcony when he slipped and fell to his death.

INJURED ON A CRUISE SHIP OR CRUISE SHIP EXCURSION? SPEAK TO A CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY: 1-866-597-4529.

If you have been injured on your cruise, on a wet and slippery deck, down a poorly lit staircase or steep gangway, in port on an excursion, or on a tender boat- it is important that you speak as soon as possible with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury claims against cruise lines. Most cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC, Disney, Holland America, Princess, Costa, Regents Seven Seas and Oceania require that claims against them be pursued in a very specific place under very strict deadlines. Failure to comply with each individual cruise lines deadlines can result in a complete loss of any and all legal rights.

Aronfeld Trial Lawyers is a personal injury firm located in Miami, Florida since 1991.  We have fought hard to hold cruise lines accountable when they put their profits ahead of passenger safety.  We are available 24/7 and encourage you to contact us even if you are still on your cruise. The sooner we can begin our investigation and preservation of key evidence, such as the CCTV footage of your trip and fall, slip and fall, assault or other type of injury the more likely we will be able to understand and prove how the incident occurred. Remember, the cruise lines have the most aggressive and well-funded defense lawyers in the world- protecting their profits.  You need an experienced legal advocate in your corner who will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve for lost wages, medical expenses, transportation reimbursement and pain and suffering.  Call us today and speak with a cruise ship claims lawyer about your potential claim- toll free 1-866-597-4529, 305-441-0440, or by email. We are ready to help.

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