Cruise Ship Accidents
Cruise ships in the eyes of the law are determined to be “common carriers,” a distinction that means they are required to conduct themselves with a certain level of care (special duty) that is beyond the normal standard for passengers. Unfortunately there does not appear to be in an increase in the safety considerations maintained by the cruise industry proportionate with the increase of their passengers.
When an injury occurs during your cruise holiday if you have lost a loved one on a cruise, and you suspect that it was as a result of carelessness or neglect on behalf of the cruise line you may want to consider bringing a legal action. When looking to pursue legal action you must be cognizant of the limitations in the contracts provided with purchasing tickets. These contracts typical highlight the cruise line’s scope of liability in terms of the safety and well-being of its passengers.
You need to learn what your rights may be. You need to be aware that there are various limitations that a passenger immediately agrees to that are quite unknowingly contained in their boarding agreement; that there are untold numbers of fundamental safety lapses on these ocean going hotels that are not properly handled from the onset
Generally, most common cruise lines require a written notice of an impending claim within six (6) months of the date it occurred; and for suit to be filed in the Federal Court in Miami within one (1) year of the date of occurrence; and the Courts throughout the United States have upheld these contractual limitations.
The types of accidents that can occur include but are not limited to slip and falls or trip and falls, falling overboard, injuries from fires on the cruise ship, pool or water slide accidents, injuries sustained during on-shore excursions, injuries sustained during recreational activities aboard the ship, dock accidents, falling object accidents, sexual assault or physical assault because of unsecured or unsafe premises.
If you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury, wrongful death, or the loss of a passenger while aboard a cruise ship you should consider consulting with the Schulman Law Group’s attorneys. Our law group has extensive experience concerning cruise ship liability; whether it be from slipping and falling, injury on an excursion, the loss of a passenger, suspected of having fallen over-board, or from inappropriate medical attention received during your cruise.
The Schulman Law Group’s attorneys are available to consult with you. Please feel free to call our office immediately at +1 (954) 349-3300, or email to info@www.schulaw.com.