Published On: Sun, Feb 3rd, 2019

What if I’m Injured on a Cruise?

Taking a cruise can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a vacation, but unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will not suffer injuries during this time. If you have been injured on a cruise ship, you may still be able to proceed with a personal injury lawsuit. However, these cases can often be more complicated than a standard slip and fall or another injury that takes place on land. Some reasons for complications can be the country of origin of the cruise, the country the cruise that company is based in, and that the injury may have taken place in international waters or in a different country.

 

However, this does not mean that your case will not stand up, or that these complications will keep you from collecting the damages you are rightfully owed following your accident. Contact a personal injury lawyer today to discuss your situation, and begin to understand the issues you will need to overcome while building your lawsuit against the cruise company.

What Sort of Injuries From a Cruise Can I Seek Damages For?

Cruise ships and other passenger ships are what is known as a common carrier, which means that it is their duty and obligation to do everything possible to keep their passengers safe. If you are injured as a result of the crew’s negligence in their duties to your safety, you may be able to make a claim against them to recover compensation for your injuries. Here are some common incidents that could warrant a personal injury claim against a cruise company:

 

  • Slip and falls
  • Falling objects
  • Wet floors
  • Assault
  • Drowning
  • Wrongful death

How Do I File a Claim?

In a standard personal injury case, you would file your claim at the location that the injury occurred. However, given the nature of a cruise ship, your best option will likely to be filing a claim at the location that the cruise specified in an agreement you may have signed before embarking. This is done for the benefit of both the cruise company and their passengers, given the confusion that could arise if there was not a pre-designated location.

How Do I Work With An Attorney For My Cruise Ship Injury?

It is in your best interest to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you possibly can. Many times, the clauses in the contracts you sign with the cruise company give you a strict statute of limitations on any possible claims, as well as the aforementioned location specifics, and many other possible restrictions or exceptions. A failure to file a claim at the designated court (for example, the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida), or bringing your claim after the statute of limitations expires, will likely mean that you are unable to file your claim at all. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale will be your best chance at filing a successful claim and winning compensation through this complicated process. When you meet with your attorney, be sure to gather all relevant information to your cruise, your injury, your medical expenses, and anything else that they may request to get a better understanding of your situation. Remember that time is essential in this process, do not delay.

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