Cruise Ship Accident Lawyers

Do I Need a Lawyer?

Before passengers immediately consult an attorney because their cruise vacation wasn’t perfect, they need to decide whether or not they require the services of an experienced cruise accident lawyer. Reputable lawyers will offer case evaluations free or for a minimal fee, and there are many circumstances that could lead to lawsuits against a cruise line, such as:

• Misrepresentation: The cruise line could have portrayed a certain style of cruise ship cabin, onboard activities, itinerary, and other crucial vacation details that bear no resemblance to the actual vacation.
• Discrimination: Passengers or crew members who have been poorly treated or denied service based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or other factors may be entitled to compensation from an appropriate lawsuit.
• Injury: Individuals who are injured as a result of negligence due to poor maintenance, unsafe environments, or crew misbehavior could recover their medical costs and other payment through legal action.
• Property Damage: If an individual’s property is damaged or stolen as a result of the cruise line’s actions, they may be entitled to compensation.

It is important to note that not all cases are suitable for legal action; professional consultations and evaluations are a necessary step in determining if a lawsuit is viable based on these or other factors.

Cruise Ship Liability

Every cruise ship is different and both passengers and crew members need to understand the cruise line’s liability in case of any untoward incident. Most cruise lines spell out their liability – or lack thereof – explicitly in passenger ticket documentation or cruise ship job contracts. For example, a cruise line can drastically alter the ship’s itinerary based on a number of factors, including weather, port conditions, projected crowds, safety, and the ship’s condition. Passengers may find themselves at a completely different port or even simply staying at sea with no port call, and the cruise line has not committed any breach of contract. Similarly, onboard cruise activities can be altered for any number of reasons without requiring any explanation or compensation to disgruntled passengers or crew members.

To fully understand a cruise line’s liability, passengers should review all the documentation provided with their tickets, and they can speak with a cruise travel agent about their specific concerns. The most important thing to remember is that the cruise line is never liable to provide a picture-perfect vacation to any passenger, and while they may offer accommodations or compensation when incidents occur, they are not necessarily doing so because of any legal obligation. Passengers who return from a voyage with grievances should consult cruise ship accident lawyers to discuss their case and complaints.

When an Incident Occurs

When passengers or crew members do find themselves involved in an incident – assault, sexual harassment, slip and fall accidents, etc. – on board a cruise ship, they should take steps to protect their legal rights immediately.

1. Report the incident immediately to ship security officers. Cooperate fully by providing personal contact information, a complete description of the event, and other requested details.
2. Treat any physical injuries in the ship’s infirmary. The medical care on a cruise ship may not be able to treat severe injuries, but it should be able to deal with minor problems effectively.
3. Get the names and contact information for all crew members and passengers involved in the incident, including the security officers who responded to the initial disturbance.
4. Take photos of any injuries or damage. Particularly during a long cruise, physical evidence may not be as noticeable when the ship returns to port and having photographs is essential.
5. Do not sign waivers or agreements to alternative compensation while on board the ship until you have the opportunity to consult with an attorney.
6. Consult an experienced maritime lawyer as soon as possible after the end of the cruise. There may be limitations on how long plaintiffs have to press charges, and delayed cases are more easily dismissed.

Finding Cruise Ship Accident Lawyers

Finding an experienced cruise ship accident attorney can be difficult based on where the passengers live. In many cases, passengers will need to find a suitable lawyer in the port city where the ship docks because those lawyers are more familiar with admiralty and maritime law. Even a simple personal injury case is anything but simple when it involves a cruise ship, because these international floating hotels are not subject to the same laws as companies and individuals within the United States.

Injuries may deserve compensation.

When looking for a lawyer, consider the following:

• Maritime Experience: The lawyer should have extensive experience with maritime law, preferably in similar cases against cruise lines.
• Corporate Experience: Cruise lines are huge corporations, and a lawyer with experience confronting large corporations will be better prepared for a cruise line case.
• Comfort: The plaintiff should be comfortable with the lawyer’s approach and not feel pressured to do or say anything they feel may be unnecessary or unethical.

While passengers should research several attorneys to find the one they are most confident in, the following firms offer expertise in cruise ship accident cases:

• Hickey Law Firm, P.A.
• Lipcom, Margulies, & Alsina, P.A.
• Harris & Moure
• Miami Maritime Law

Avoiding the Need for a Lawyer

The best way to enjoy a cruise vacation is to avoid the need for cruise ship accident lawyers altogether. Reasonable expectations about a cruise ship’s liability, safe behavior on board to avoid dangerous situations, and a flexible attitude can help passengers enjoy their getaway without needing to consider litigation when they disembark.