No one going on a cruise ship vacation wants to think about it, but accidents can and do happen at sea. When they do, injury claims are handled much differently than claims for accidents that happen on land. Maritime law (also known as admiralty law) governs injury claims for accidents at sea, and there are some key differences. If you or a loved one has been injured while on a cruise ship and you’re wondering if you can sue for the injury, the answer is “yes.” Cruise ship operators have a legal responsibility to look out for the safety of their passengers, and they can be held liable for injuries caused by negligence or willful acts (whether unintentional or not).
Cruise ship injury settlements: Wisconsin personal injury lawyers Win financial compensation from cruise ship accident
Milwaukee personal injury attorneys handle cruise ship injury lawsuits
Anyone looking into filing a claim for injuries sustained on a cruise ship would be well advised to consult an attorney specializing in personal injury law, like Warshafsky Law. Besides having extensive experience with all types of injury suits, we are able to handle cases nationwide. This is particularly relevant for cases involving cruise ships, since almost all are based in Florida and any suit would have to be filed in their jurisdiction.
In most situations involving an injury on a cruise ship, the ship’s insurance company is likely to extend an offer of settlement for whatever medical expenses you incurred. Do not accept any settlement offer from them until you have consulted with an experienced personal injury attorney. In most cases, offers of settlement fall short of the amount you should receive.
Your boarding pass is a legal contract
It may seem hard to believe, but the ticket you purchase is considered a legal contract. Cruise ship operators explain their liability and where any lawsuits against should be filed on the back of your ticket. When you board the ship, you implicitly agree to the terms spelled out on the back of your ticket.
One of the most common clauses on the back of cruise ship boarding tickets is the one stating where lawsuits are to be filed. In most cases, it’s Florida—and most courts have upheld this as reasonable even though it makes pursuing a claim difficult for anyone living outside Florida. This is where Warshafsky Law can help, since we represent clients nationwide.
Just because a cruise ship operator can be found liable for a passenger’s injury doesn’t mean they will. Maritime law allows for the possibility that even the most careful ship operators cannot possibly anticipate every danger. For instance, if a large wave batters the ship and passengers are injured by the boat listing from side to side, it’s unlikely a suit against the ship’s operator would have any traction.
On the other hand, a passenger injured by falling after leaning against a rusted out railing would likely prevail in an injury lawsuit, since it is the responsibility of the cruise ship operator to maintain the railings.
Schedule a free legal consultation with a personal injury attorney
Because maritime law comes into play when suing a cruise ship operator, you need an attorney willing and able to pursue legal action out of state. Just as importantly, you need an attorney with a proven history of winning. In the Milwaukee area, this narrows your options to one: Warshafsky Law.
To get a better feel for where you stand, Warshafsky Law offers free initial legal consultations for anyone considering filing a personal injury suit of any kind. If you are not in the Milwaukee area, or unable to visit our office, this consultation can be done over the phone.
The Internet is great for doing research, but it cannot compare to the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney. Often, our legal team is able to uncover hidden sources of liability, which can dramatically increase the reimbursement you receive. Our free legal consultation carries no obligation whatsoever to hire us. Should you decide to hire us, however, you will pay nothing until your case is resolved and you have been compensated.
