Port Everglades Cruise Passenger Injury Lawyer

Cruises can be a stress-free way to take a vacation. With all the food, room, and housekeeping taken care of, our biggest decisions are often whether we should spend time lying by the pool or catching a show. Passengers can enjoy open water peace and explore the local attractions of different ports along the way.

Cruising out on the open seas sounds like a peaceful way to enjoy time away from our busy lives, but cruises aren’t without their risks. Slippery decks, food poisoning, drowning, fires, and falls are among the dangers passengers face on a cruise ship. Whether you were hurt on a Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Disney, Carnival, or Norwegian Cruise Line ship, these accidents may leave you gravely injured and may even result in death.

What happens after you get hurt on a cruise ship can be quite different than if you were injured on land. Passengers may not realize that their cruise ticket is a contract that often limits when and where you can file a claim if you are injured. Passengers typically have six months to notify the cruise line of their claim and one year to file a lawsuit. When these deadlines are missed, you may be unable to recover any compensation for your injuries.

Cruise ships will also conduct their own investigation when you report an accident. Keep in mind that passenger accidents and injuries can be costly for a cruise line. Any misstep or error on your part could impact your ability to recover damages. So, taking measured steps to protect your interests when you are hurt on a cruise ship is critical.

• Report the accident – If you are injured on a cruise ship, report the accident immediately to the right crew member. Be sure your accident is documented by the staff and ask for a copy for your records.
• Take pictures or videos with a camera or your cell phone – It is helpful to get videos or photos of the accident scene as soon as possible. Gather as much documentation as possible about where you were hurt, what may have caused or contributed to the accident, and pictures of your injuries.
• Get the names of witnesses or crew members who helped you – If other passengers saw the accident, be sure to gather their contact information. It is also a good idea to write down the names of any crew members who helped you or that you spoke with about the accident.
• Watch what you say and be careful about what you write – A cruise ship will conduct its own investigation when you have been hurt. You should keep that in mind when answering questions or filling out forms. An innocent answer to a question could be misinterpreted or used against you. Be mindful of your comments; don’t accept responsibility for the accident by claiming you were clumsy, and don’t downplay your injuries by saying they aren't serious.
• In some cases, cruise lines may ask you to give a written statement. If you can't avoid this, try to make a written statement when you feel well and keep it brief. Don’t have a friend or family member do this on your behalf.
• Seek treatment – Always visit the ship's medical personnel to get your injuries treated. Not only can your wounds be tended to, but your injuries will be documented by their medical staff.
• Speak to a Miami Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer – The laws that govern cruise ship injuries may be vastly different than those which apply if you were hurt on land. Plus, there may be other constraints placed by cruise lines that impact how much time you must provide written notice and file a claim. If you have a case, you could lose out if you do not know or understand the terms of your contract with the cruise line. To protect your rights, speaking with a Miami personal injury attorney knowledgeable about maritime law is a good idea.

When your family life has been impacted by a severe accident on a cruise ship, it is helpful to seek legal guidance as quickly as possible. Different than accidents that happen on land, those that occur on cruise ships fall under maritime laws. The terms of your ticket may limit your ability to recover damages for your injuries.

Due to the complexities of cruise ship injury accidents, you should speak with a personal injury lawyer specializing in maritime law. At Wolfson & Leon, our team of maritime injury lawyers helps passengers who have been gravely injured on cruise ships recover compensation to help pay for their medical care and replace lost income if they cannot work. Given the tight timeline injured cruise passengers face, call us today for a free consultation at 305-285-1115.