Sea cruises are meant to be the perfect getaway, but unfortunately, cruise accidents do happen. If you’ve been injured or suffered harm while on a Margaritaville at Sea cruise ship, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to get compensation for your pain and losses. From major cruise lines to small fleets, cruise companies have a responsibility to protect passengers from harm, and failing to do so could leave them vulnerable to legal action. A cruise ship injury lawyer can help you seek compensation if you’ve suffered a Margaritaville at Sea cruise ship accident.
Under maritime law, the cruise industry is required to maintain safe vessels. This includes preventing slip and fall accidents by maintaining clear and non-slip walkways, preventing food born illnesses through proper preparation and sanitation, and preventing assaults by restricting certain passengers and behaviors. If Margaritaville at Sea failed in any of these responsibilities, and you were injured as a result, it’s time to get help from a cruise ship accident attorney.
While cruise lines generally work hard to maintain environments that are safe for both cruise passengers and crew members alike, the truth is that mistakes, accidents, and carelessness do happen, as well as willful wrongdoing. A few of the most common types of cruise ship accident claims can be found below:
Slip and falls can lead to serious injuries. If you slip and fall on a cruise ship due to improper maintenance, lighting, or certain other preventable factors, you may be able to sue the cruise ship company for negligence.
Some cruise destinations are safer than others, and even ports with the highest safety records can still see accidents. Under maritime and admiralty law, cruise lines may be liable for injuries sustained by passengers while on port excursions.
Another common type of illness seen on cruise ships is gastrointestinal distress caused by contaminated food. Cruise operators have a responsibility to prepare food safely and maintain sanitary dining areas. Failure to do so could lead to illnesses and legal action.
Wet pool decks are one of the leading causes of falls onboard cruise ships. While a level of witnesses is to be expected by a pool, cruise lines are required to take steps to prevent falls as much as possible. If you are injured in or near a cruise ship pool, you may have a strong claim.
One important part of passenger safety is preventing the spread of illnesses onboard the ship. Norovirus is one of the most common types of illnesses spread on cruise ships. If you developed this illness while on a cruise, you may need to talk to a lawyer.
Assault and sexual assault are among the most serious types of accident seen onboard cruise ships. Cruise injury victims have the right to seek compensation in cases of assault on cruises. If you’ve suffered an assault while on a cruise, it’s time to get legal representation.
Falling overboard is relatively rare, but it does happen, and it generally results in fatality. Families of cruise passengers who lost their lives after falling overboard may be able to file a wrongful death claim for financial relief.
Maritime law is the complex legal framework that protects both passengers and crew members while onboard cruise ships. Under this law, cruise lines may be held liable for injuries and illnesses sustained by passengers and crew members while on their ships. In addition to laying out cruise line liability, these laws also dictate where the case will be handled, whether that means the state or federal courts. If you need to appeal the ruling on your case, that would also be dictated by maritime law.
On important factor to keep in mind when it comes to cruise injury liability is the issue of passenger cruise contracts. These cruise ticket contracts lay out strict timelines, requirements, and restrictions for cruise injury victims. A capable legal team can help you interpret your ticket contract and determine the right path forward for your claim.
Another important thing to consider when it comes to maritime laws is the special regulations that govern sea-based workers. Cruise crew members are protected by the Jones Act, which lays out protections for workers it classifies as seamen, including cruise crew members. This law includes details on workplace safety, injury compensation, and employer negligence.
Cruise ship accidents can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to do. Below, you can find a step by step guide on what to do if you’re injured while on a cruise ship:
From the largest cruise lines like Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line to midsized companies like Disney Cruise Line and smaller luxury lines like Seabourn Cruise Line, all cruise lines have a responsibility to protect passenger safety. If you’re injured while on a cruise ship, a maritime lawyer can help you determine the path forward to get compensation.
When a cruise injury occurs, victims can face high costs, including medical expenses and lost wages. The complex maritime laws that govern these cases can also make getting the compensation you need even more difficult. That’s why it’s so important to get help from an experienced attorney. A capable maritime lawyer can help you fight for the financial relief that you need.
If you’ve sustained an injury aboard a Margaritaville at Sea cruise ship, Louis A. Vucci P.A. is ready to represent you in negotiations or a court of law. We will work tirelessly to get you whatever compensation you may deserve.
There are many things for which a passenger may make a claim, some of which include: