Boca Raton Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer
Each year, millions of passengers flock to Florida’s east coast to board cruise ships for what they hope will be an unforgettable vacation sailing around the Caribbean. Unfortunately, some of those passengers will sustain an on-board injury due to the negligent or intentional act of the cruise line and its employees. And while you might think that you can file a personal injury lawsuit against a cruise ship operator the same as you would against any land-based business, the fine print in your cruise ticket might say otherwise.
Aside from seeking medical attention, one of the first things you need to do following any accident aboard a cruise ship is to speak with a lawyer. The Boca Raton cruise ship injury attorneys at Steinberg Law can review your case and explain your potential options for seeking compensation from the cruise line and other parties whose actions contributed to your injuries. Do not assume the cruise line will compensate you for your injuries–or even offer you a refund–following an accident.
How the Fine Print Can Hurt You
Most cruisers do not generally stop to consider the potential safety hazards that they may face during their trip. After all, the purpose of taking a cruise is to “get away from it all” and not worry about your problems. But there are a number of problems that can and do arise. Some common examples of personal injury we see from cruise ship passengers include:
- slip and fall accidents on wet decks or slippery staircases;
- professional negligence by the ship’s on-board medical staff;
- accidents during cruise-sponsored activities, such as shore excursions or on-board attractions; and
- physical assaults committed by a member of the crew or another passenger.
When you book any cruise in Florida, the cruise line will send you a detailed, multi-page “ticket” that is actually a legally binding contract. Your cruise ticket will likely include language limiting your right to file a personal injury claim against the cruise operator in the event of an accident. These limits often include a requirement to file a written claim with the cruise line within 6 months of an accident and the lawsuit itself is filed no later than 1 year after the accident. Such restrictions do not apply to other kinds of personal injury lawsuits in Florida, yet they are routinely enforced by Florida courts against cruise passengers who “agreed” to the terms printed in their tickets.
Contact Steinberg Law Today
If you are injured while taking a cruise, you should report the accident to the ship’s medical staff (and security team) right away. This will help create a paper trail should you need to take legal action to recover compensation for your injuries. You should also contact a qualified Boca Raton cruise ship accident lawyer as soon as possible. Any delay will cost you time in complying with the pre-suit requirements of your ticket and potentially forfeit your right to any compensation arising from the accident. So if you need to speak with an attorney, contact Steinberg Law today to schedule a consultation.
