Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer Miami

If you or a loved one is injured on a cruise ship, various unique legal issues can make it difficult to recover damages. Cruise ships can be subject to an entirely different set of laws and regulations than those that apply in the U.S. Here are the main differences:

Vessels Are Registered Abroad

Cruise ships are often registered in foreign countries and may not comply with U.S. laws, making it tough for victims to get justice. A passenger injured on a cruise ship registered abroad may need to file their claim in that country’s legal system. Additionally, cruise ships operate in international waters, meaning they are subject to maritime law, which can be complex and challenging to navigate.

Cruise Tickets Contain Waivers

With the ticket, you enter a contract with the cruise line. Most cruise line tickets include a waiver that limits passengers’ ability to sue the company in the event of an injury. The details of these waivers depend on the cruise line. However, they can require that legal action be brought in a specific jurisdiction, such as a foreign country or a certain state in the United States. They may also limit the damages a victim could recover.

Third-Parties May Be Responsible

Cruise ships typically contract third-party companies to provide various services on board and in ports of call, including:

• Shore excursions
• Spa treatments
• Entertainment
• Onboard retail

If a passenger is injured while participating in third-party activities, the cruise line may wash its hands of the issues, citing third-party liability. Determining who is liable for your injury and holding them responsible can be challenging and require an experienced cruise ship injury attorney.

Gathering Evidence Can Be Challenging

Gathering evidence in a cruise ship injury case can be tricky. For example, the ship’s crew and management may resist your attempts to document your accident or deny requests to access security camera footage and accident reports. Additionally, witnesses may disappear, particularly if they are employees who may not want to say anything that could jeopardize their employment. This is when you need a Miami cruise ship injury lawyer who can officially request evidence and force a cruise line to cooperate with an investigation.

Strict Time Limits Apply for Filing Claims

Cruise ship injury claims can be subject to strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations. The time you have to file an injury claim depends on the circumstances of the case and the jurisdiction responsible. Since the time to get compensation may be limited, speak to a Miami cruise ship injury lawyer at Morgan & Morgan as soon as possible to protect your rights.

The list is not exhaustive; other legal issues can prevent passengers from seeking fair compensation from a cruise line. However, with the help of an experienced cruise ship injury lawyer in Miami, victims can overcome legal hurdles and pursue compensation. Morgan & Morgan’s experienced cruise ship attorneys can help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and fight for your best interests in court or through settlement negotiations.

You could sue a cruise line for medical bills and other damages due to a disease you caught while onboard, such as a virus or bacterial infection. However, victims can face an uphill battle trying to prove that the cruise line negligently failed to maintain a safe and healthy environment on the ship.

Simply getting sick while on the vessel does not necessarily mean you have a compensation claim. Consult Morgan & Morgan’s Miami cruise ship injury lawyers, who can assess your case and determine whether you could hold a cruise line accountable for your injuries and monetary losses.

While it can be challenging to sue a cruise line, it is not impossible. A tenacious Miami cruise ship injury lawyer at Morgan & Morgan could help you recover various damages, including but not limited to:

• Healthcare expenses
• Future medical treatment costs
• Medical devices
• Lost income
• Future lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of life quality

If your loved one died due to cruise line negligence, you could qualify for funeral costs, medical bills, and other awards.

You could file a wrongful death lawsuit if your relative died due to cruise line or third-party negligence. However, filing such a case can be complicated due to the legal issues involved. For example, if your loved one died within 3 miles of the U.S. shore, state law typically applies, meaning you would likely file your claim in Miami. Florida law generally allows for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, in addition to recovering medical expenses and other financial losses.

However, the Death On The High Seas Act, 46 U.S. Code Chapter 303 may apply if your loved one passed away in international waters. Under the act, survivors are generally unable to claim non-economic damages, such as emotional distress. Since maritime laws can vary from U.S. federal and state laws, you should get a knowledgeable Miami cruise ship injury lawyer on your side to ensure you have the best shot at getting what you deserve.

Cruise ships are owned by large, multinational, multi-billion-dollar companies. You need a law firm that is not afraid to take on the big bullies of the cruise industry and has the experience and resources required to handle such cases effectively.

Why Choose Morgan & Morgan?

1. Resources: We have more than 800 specialized attorneys ready to fight for you and can hire medical professionals, investigators, and consultants to conduct comprehensive investigations and research into your case.
2. Experience: Our experienced trial lawyers know how to handle high-profile and complex cases, such as cruise ship personal injury claims. We can navigate the complexities of maritime law and hold cruise lines accountable.
3. Reputation: We have a reputation for fighting vigorously for what our clients deserve and never settling for less. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys know that we go the extra mile and fight tirelessly for what our clients deserve, which could lead to more favorable settlement offers.

Morgan & Morgan’s Miami cruise ship injury lawyers are waiting to hear from you. We want nothing more than to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward. Our fee is free unless and until we recover damages for you. Contact us now and get started with a free case evaluation to clarify your legal options.