Ocean cruises are one of the most popular vacation choices for Americans. They are also one of the most profitable businesses in the world. Each year, thousands of individuals choose to visit Alaska, the Pacific Coast, the Hawaiian Islands, the Caribbean, South America, and the Mediterranean with their families. However, when these cruise ships navigate on ocean waters, they can be susceptible to harsh weather conditions and a hazardous traveling environment.
While embarking on a cruise can be fun, it can also be dangerous since it involves some risks. Several types of accidents can occur when an individual is on a cruise ship. Some of these accidents include slip and falls, trip and falls, back injuries, neck injuries, and fractured bones.
Without the assistance of a skilled maritime injury lawyer, passengers’ rights can be easily overlooked. Filing for a maritime injury claim can be complex, but that’s when the knowledge of an experienced cruise ship accident attorney steps in. If a passenger was seriously injured aboard a cruise ship, they may be entitled to compensation.
Pursuant to 46 U.S.C. § 30508, a passenger has less than 6 months after the date of injury or death to provide written notice of a claim, and has less than 1 year after the date of injury or death to file a lawsuit. It is therefore imperative that an injured passenger or a family member of a passenger killed at sea act as quickly as possible to consult with an experienced maritime lawyer. BOATLAW, LLP has a proven track record of holding the cruise lines responsible for passenger injuries. Call us today at 1-800-262-8529.
Cruise Ship Passengers Injury Attorneys for Oregon, Washington, Alaska, New York, Connecticut and California
If you were injured as a cruise ship passenger due to another’s negligence, you have a right to pursue maximum compensation to recover from your losses. Our experienced maritime injury attorneys at BOATLAW, LLP have represented injured cruise ship passengers collectively for over forty years. The legal team at BOATLAW, LLP has a depth of experience in maritime and admiralty law and a track record of success.
We represent clients in Oregon, New York, Washington, Alaska, Connecticut, and California. For a free consultation on what BOATLAW, LLP can do for your maritime passenger injury case, contact us. We offer free initial consultations so give us a call today at 1-800-262-8529.
Information Center
- Common Cruise Injuries
- Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
- Recoverable Damages for Cruise Ship Passengers
- Additional Resources for Cruise Ship Passengers
Common Cruise Injuries
Vacationers on a cruise are expected to have fun on a ship, but they should remember that cruising isn’t free of risks. Accidents happen on cruise ships all the time and in some instances, they can result in serious injuries.
These are the most common type of injuries that occur on a cruise ship:
- Drowning
- Slip and fall
- Trip and fall
- Neck and back injuries
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Broken body parts
- Concussions
Filing a claim or lawsuit to recover from these injuries can be stressful. There are several circumstances to acknowledge. For example, the damages an individual may recover as a cruise ship passenger depend on the severity of their injuries, the cause, and which state and federal boating and maritime laws apply to their case. That’s why it’s important to obtain the legal guidance of an experienced maritime injury lawyer. Contact BOATLAW, LLP to receive guidance on a cruise ship injury claim.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Boating under the influence (BUI) is considered an illegal offense. According to the US Coast Guard (USCG)’s recreational boating statistics from 2019, alcohol use ranked as the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. In states like California, Oregon, California, Connecticut and Alaska, an individual may be convicted of boating under the influence (BUI) if their ability to operate is impaired by alcohol or drugs.
If an individual has been injured onboard a cruise ship because the operator was under the influence, it’s best to obtain the legal representation of an admiralty law and maritime injury attorney. A firm such as BOATLAW, LLP can assist them in obtaining recoverable damages such as medical expenses, funeral expenses, and disability. Our maritime injury lawyers will work aggressively to recover damages for individuals under state boating laws, the unseaworthiness doctrine, general maritime law, and the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA).
Recoverable Damages for Cruise Ship Passengers
Per 46 U.S.C. § 30102, vessel owners or operators of cruise ships owe a high duty of care to their passengers. That means they must ensure a safe cruising environment free of any hazards or issues that could cause injury. For example, vessel owners have a duty to warn cruise ship passengers of a hazardous situation and address it with diligence.
Failure to provide this duty of care by not maintaining a facility, poorly training staff, not putting up adequate warning signs, and other types of neglectful actions could cause the cruise owner to be liable for damages. The law also imposes a high duty of care on cruise ship manufacturers. If the cruise ship has a serious design or manufacturing flaw, the manufacturer may be liable for a passenger’s injuries.
If you’ve been injured because of a cruise owner’s negligence, then you may be able to file a lawsuit against them for damages. Damages are essentially the losses you’ve suffered because of your injury. They can be economic such as medical bills or lost wages. Damages can also be emotional such as loss of enjoyment of life or pain and suffering. A jury could award a monetary amount designed to cover the loss of these damages if you’re successful with your case.
Some damages that cruise ship passengers can recover include the following:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Medical expenses
- Occupational retraining expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental health care
- Reduced earning capacity
With the assistance of experienced maritime lawyers, injured cruise ship passengers can file a lawsuit against potential liable parties including:
- Owner or operator of the ferry
- Company operating the ship
- The business from where they purchased their ferry ticket
- A third party, such as the physician working onboard the ferry
Additional Resources for Cruise Ship Passengers
U.S. Department of Transportation: Cruise Reports – Visit the U.S. Department of Transportation website to view yearly cruise line incident reports. The webpage offers reports from 2010 until 2021. Click on one of the PDFS to view alleged criminal activity occurring on. Board cruise vessels.
U.S. Department of State: Cruise Ship Passengers – Visit the U.S. Department of State website to view information for passengers on cruise ships. Click on the link to read important notes for traveling safely, and tips for cruising. You’ll also be able to view questions you can ask your cruise line about.
U.S. Coast Guard: Boating Safety – U.S. Coast Guard is dedicated to reducing loss of life, injuries and property damage that occurs on U.S. waterways. Visit the U.S. Coast Guard website to review boating safety guidelines. You’ll also be able to report a boat accident.
Maritime Injury Lawyers for Washington, California, Oregon, Alaska, New York, and Connecticut Cruise Ship Passengers
If you have been injured as a passenger on a cruise ship, it is important to secure legal representation as soon as possible. The cruise industry will do everything it can to eliminate your chances of obtain full compensation. Thankfully, you have options. BOATLAW, LLP has over 40 years litigating maritime cases all throughout Oregon, New York, Washington, Alaska, Connecticut, and California. They can assess your case and help you file a claim against the parties liable for your injury.
Riding on a cruise ship can come with serious risks. Contact us for a free initial consultation at 1-800-262-8529. We can help you discover the recovery options available to you as an injured cruise ship passenger. Our maritime attorneys are ready to review your case.
