Every year millions of Americans go aboard cruise ships for a vacation and are unaware that accidents and sexual assaults on cruise ships are handled in a far different manner than regular personal injury cases.
Florida is a major cruise ship destination with most major cruise ship lines using our state’s multiple ports to take on passengers.
Cruise Ship Accidents:
If you are injured while a passenger on a cruise ship, BE AWARE. There are special limitations on the filing of lawsuits for cruise ship negligence. The statute of limitations is very short unlike those for an automobile accident and will be controlled by the contract between the passenger and the cruise line. The limitation is on the ticket and can be enforced.
The ticket provisions may also state that written notice of the claim must be given to the cruise line within a short period of time.
Some cruise lines require that the claim must be filed in a certain state and court. Many cruise lines require that the lawsuit be filed in Florida, even if the passenger lives in another state.
If you or your family fails to take action in the short period of time required, you might not be able to file your claim and make a recovery for your injuries, no matter how serious.
Cruise ships have a duty to protect their passengers from injury. This duty as a common carrier requires that the cruise ships exercise the highest degree of care toward their passengers. Accidents can include slip and falls on the boat, fires, and even off shore incidents.
Cruise Ship Sexual Assaults:
Sadly, sexual assaults also occur on cruise ships.
Because the ships are places where thousands of people are crowded together in an enclosed space, cruise lines are required to provide for the safety of their passengers, not only from other passengers but also from the crew.
Cruise lines are required to exercise a high degree of care for their passengers. They need to do background checks, they need to have adequate lighting and they need to have security cameras installed.
Cruise ship sexual assault is a major problem. Cruise ships love alcohol sales and do little to deter excessive drinking. Oftentimes, the result is a disaster.
Often cruise ships hire workers that are not citizens of the United States and many times these workers are not adequately screened.
The lawyers at Halberg & Fogg PLLC have assisted individuals and families that have been injured for over 40 years. If you or your loved ones were injured or assaulted on a cruise ship, it is important to contact a qualified and knowledgeable attorney who can help you, and your family, recover the compensation that you deserve. The lawyers at Halberg & Fogg PLLC. have years of experience handling these types of cases and are willing to speak to you at any time for a free consultation.