Miami Cruise Ship Accidents

On cruise ships, accidents are very regular. Some do little to no harm and do not need legal action. Others, on the other hand, can have far-reaching repercussions and need the attention of a skilled cruise ship accident attorney.

It is always a good idea to contact a cruise ship attorney before settling with a cruise ship firm, no matter how small an accident appears to be. Accepting an insurance settlement before fully understanding your rights may indicate that you are waiving your claim to full compensation.

Miami Cruise Ship Accident Attorney

When downtown Miami or driving to Miami Beach, one can’t help but be impressed by large cruise ships that line the port every single day of the week. Miami, Florida is a major port of call to many large cruise lines that take passengers to various destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean and beyond. It seems so easy to just jump on board and be carried away to the islands aboard a ship leaving from South Florida. A great way to travel and truly enjoy the ride to your destination.

Oftentimes, however, vacationing passengers return home with injuries due to the negligence of the cruise lines. These injuries result from several instances including:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Water sports accidents
• Pool/waterslide accidents
• Foodborne illnesses
• Onboard medical malpractice
• Assaults
• Injuries from simple misdirection from cruise ship staff members
• Other negligent acts of the cruise lines

The following are examples of common cruise ship injuries:

• Bone fractures or breaks
• Injury to the head and brain
• Injury to the neck and spinal cord
• Asphyxiation and drowning
• Electrocution and burn injuries
• Illness and food poisoning

Figuring out your legal rights after an accident and injury caused by dangerous conditions on board or during excursions can be difficult. The laws that govern these injuries are very complex and there are very strict time limitations that may greatly affect your ability to file a claim.

Perhaps you do not reside in Miami, Florida, or not even in the state. For these injured passengers, it can be very confusing and many often return home confused about their legal rights and the steps needed to be compensated for damages and losses resulting from injuries.

Cruise Ship Accident Statute of Limitations

By statute, a cruise company with a correctly written ticket may limit the time for initiating a lawsuit to no less than one year. Ordinarily, the statute of limitations for an admiralty suit is three years. However, virtually every cruise line, if not every, has a one-year restriction.

However, if you have missed your deadline, all is not lost; depending on the circumstances, you may be able to demonstrate that the contract-based limits period was arbitrary and unenforceable, or that you qualify for an exception.

Miami personal injury Law Office of Ruth E. Johnson assists cruise ship accident victims in investigating claims for compensation from injuries and accidents. Our office aggressively pursues the maximum compensation for all injury and accident victims. Call 305.720.2086 for a free consultation of your claim.