There are many types of accidents that occur on a cruise ship, including slip and falls, food poisoning, fractures, dismemberment, and sadly death by drowning. The laws regarding cruise ship accidents are often complex and are not passenger-friendly. Therefore, it is important to hire an experienced cruise ship accident lawyer to protect your rights.

Passengers are entitled to “reasonable care” from cruise ship operators. They have a right to expect a reasonably safe environment, which includes warnings about potential dangers, such as slippery decks or dangerous equipment. However, the term "reasonable care" is open to interpretation, and the passenger is responsible for proving that the company was negligent.

Injured cruise ship passengers should be aware that there is a statute of limitations for cruise ship accident claims. Sometimes, passengers have less than a year to submit personal injury claims against a cruise operator. There are special clauses inserted into the contract of carriage (often explained in the fine print on the back of passengers' tickets) that can shorten the statute of limitations down to six months.

Steps a passenger should take if they are injured aboard a Cruise Ship

• Immediately after the accident, file a written report with the security office of the cruise ship and keep a copy for your records.
• Do not sign a waiver or any other documents that exempt the cruise ship from responsibility if you are asked by a member of the cruise staff. Take several photographs of the accident scene and write the name and contact information of any eyewitnesses down and keep for your records.
• When you arrive home from your cruise, immediately see a doctor regarding your injuries and contact an experienced cruise ship lawyer as soon as possible. Cruise Ship Accidents fall under a special area under maritime law. Compensation for these claims is determined by several factors, including the type of accident, the home port of the cruise line and the country where the cruise ship is registered.

Please feel free to contact LaBovick Law Group to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced cruise ship accident lawyer regarding your personal injury or loss. We help cruise ship accident victims in Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, St. Lucie County, and Martin County or anywhere in Florida. Call 1-888-777-3884 to discuss your case or fill out the case evaluation form for a Free Consultation.