Cruise Ship Liability
Don’t rule out a lawsuit in any accidental or injurious event at sea. Speak with an experienced
maritime attorney who knows about legal precedent in cruise ship cases.
Even if an incident seems to have been out of the control of ship operators, the cruise line may still be at fault. Onboard fires, navigational or operational errors, and substandard
safety management may well be proven as items for which a cruise line is liable.
A ship under foreign registry is still subject to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) treaty in U.S. waters and those of other member countries. This comprehensive regulation sets strict standards for vessel crewing, control and safety.
When a passenger accident can be shown to have arisen from a violation of the treaty, damages will be awarded by the presiding court. Other laws protect you from onboard slips and falls, food poisoning, personal assault, and additional injuries and crimes.
Where and When to File a Lawsuit
The injured party is bound by certain restrictions, including where a suit can be heard and a statute of limitations for when you must file a cruise ship accident claim.
For ships passing through American ports, those venues are usually restricted to Seattle, Washington; Los Angeles, California; or Miami, Florida. The terms on your ticket will let you know which forum is assigned to your ship. If you live out of state or even out of the country, you will still likely be held to that court location.
When to file is really the most important detail of any claim regarding a cruise ship accident. Admiralty statutes of limitations vary from one to three years by state, with most cases subject to the one-year deadline for filing a lawsuit. However, the terms of your cruise ticket may require notification of the responsible parties within just six months of the incident.
A maritime lawyer who practices in the forum state will help you meet your time and location obligations to make a case for your rights when injured.
When selecting a
maritime lawyer you’ll want to ask critical questions such as: how long have you been practicing law; do you have experience with
cruise ship accident cases; what is the biggest
settlement or
verdict you have won?
Whocanisue.com has the largest directory of accident attorneys on the Web!