How To Sue a Cruise Line?

The cruise ship accident attorneys at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. work tirelessly to get results for injured cruise ship passengers, and our extensive experience across seven offices in the United States makes that a possibility. Our team is dedicated to making our experience work for you, from our recognition as one of the “Best Law Firms” ® by US News & World Report every year since 2016, to our many television and specials appearances as leading cruise ship injury and maritime lawyers.

Following a cruise line’s failure to keep you safe, you may have a cruise ship lawsuit in mind. Crew members may have failed to keep you safe due to negligence that put you in danger. Fortunately, experienced maritime lawyers can file a lawsuit on behalf of cruise injury victims, seeking compensation for their suffering. If you need help on how to sue a cruise line, do not hesitate to reach out. Our attorneys can guide you through all the following steps to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Holding Cruise Lines Accountable

When you are injured on a cruise line, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the cruise company. A cruise ship accident may be caused by any number of reasons, but in many cases, the cruise ship company is responsible for failing to exercise reasonable care for passengers, preventing physical harm, illness, or even wrongful death.

When cruise ships fail to protect cruise passengers like you, our team is prepared to take on your cruise ship injury case, including cases against cruise companies, including:

Where to Sue a Cruise Line

To sue a cruise line, you must first determine where your claim should be filed. Generally, this is included in the terms and conditions contained within your cruise ticket contract. For example, many cruise lines require injured passengers to file their lawsuits exclusively in the United States district court for the Southern District of Florida. Other cruise lines require lawsuits to be filed in Seattle, Washington or Los Angeles, California. And some cruise lines require lawsuits to be brought exclusively in foreign locations, like Basel, Switzerland or Genoa, Italy.

Our cruise ship injury lawyers have offices in eight locations across the United States and a network of lawyers located in foreign jurisdictions, so you can get the support you need all over the United States coastal regions and internationally. Once you know where to file, you can then begin making arrangements to sue.

File Within the Contract’s Time Limits

Keep in mind that there are strict deadlines for claims. In most states, you have a few years to file a lawsuit, but cruise lines are legally allowed to shorten the time to file to as little as one year!. If you fail to file on time, your claim will likely be dismissed, leaving you without compensation that could help you recover from your serious injuries.

The good news is that your attorney can help you file within these time limits. Reach out for the support you need to act on time.

Notice of Intent to Sue

In your passenger contract, you may have specific guidance about providing written notice of your claim before you sue. Many contracts state that you will need to provide details about the accident in writing within 6 months of the accident—the specific number will depend on your contract.

If you do not prepare and provide this information in a timely manner, you may be giving up your right to sue the cruise line, so do not hesitate to act. Your cruise ship accident lawyer can help you prepare this information and sue on time.

How Long Will My Claim Take?

Your recovery is your first concern, and you may be worried about getting your funds quickly. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed time limit for your case. Your claim’s timeline may depend on these elements, among others:

The nature of the injuries or death
The severity of your injuries
The response by the cruise line
The schedule of the particular court

While a specific timeline cannot be guaranteed, our firm does work hard to get you results in a timely manner. Generally speaking, most cases last about a year, sometimes more, sometimes less. We understand how dire your recovery is and we work hard to get each of our clients justice, closure, and compensation.

Know Your Claim’s Value

Before you sue, know how much compensation you may be due before you file. Without this information, it is easy to settle for less—many injured passengers accept a settlement offer, only to find that amount is simply not enough. Determining the value of any given is a highly specific and detailed analysis. We are always happy to give you a reasonable early estimate of the value of your case.

If you have been injured on a cruise ship, reach out to an attorney for guidance with the following economic and non-economic damages:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of consortium

Do Not Hesitate to Contact a Cruise Ship Attorney

As an injured passenger, you may have grounds to sue cruise lines like Carnival Cruise, Disney, and more. Yet, without the right tools and legal experience on your side, this can feel impossible. Injured passengers may struggle to understand their passenger contract, calculate the full value of their injuries, and take action against these giant corporations.

If you have suffered a cruise injury, do not let the size of these companies or the complex nature of your case prevent you from suing for dangerous negligence, from swimming pool accidents to slip-and-fall claims.

Cruise Line Accident FAQ

Cruise ships depart every day from the United States east coast, west coast, and Gulf of Mexico. Accidents can happen at any time between departure and arrival at the end of your cruise. Unfortunately, no passenger who sues cruise lines for their injuries has all the answers for their claim. That’s where we come in!

If you are suing a cruise line and need answers, speak with our team to get the detailed guidance you need for your claim. While you wait for your free consultation, check out our most commonly asked questions below.

How do I file a claim against a cruise line?

Filing a claim against a cruise line involves several steps, including identifying the district in which you will need to file your claim, calculating your damages, and arguing your case in court. This process can be complex, especially when following the specific rules of your ticket contract, so consider leaving this complex process to your attorney.

Can I sue a cruise company?

Yes. As an injured passenger or the surviving family of a deceased passenger, you may have grounds to file a claim against the cruise company. However, this is not always an easy process. Talk to your lawyer about your options to sue before you take action.

How do I complain about a cruise line and get results?

When you have suffered a cruise ship injury, from broken bones to cruise ship rapes to wrongful death or overboard accidents, you may have a chance to file a personal injury claim. Even the largest cruise line companies, like Royal Caribbean International or Disney Cruises, may be held liable when you file a cruise ship lawsuit. You will only be able to get results you’re looking for by working with a law firm.

Can you sue Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean Cruises has been held liable for injuries sustained by passengers, and those passengers have won compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. However, those without an experienced legal representative may have lost their opportunity to file suit due to fine print and other mistakes. Our legal team has the experience necessary and will work diligently to protect your rights to recovery.

If I’m Injured in a Cruise Accident, Who is Responsible?

Determining who is responsible for injuries sustained on a cruise ship can be complex. Liability may fall on the cruise line, third-party contractors, or even other passengers, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Generally, cruise lines have a legal duty to provide a safe environment for their passengers, which includes maintaining the ship, properly training staff, and addressing known hazards. If the injury results from the cruise line’s negligence, such as unsafe conditions, inadequate medical care, or failure to warn about dangers, the cruise line may be held responsible. In some cases, injuries caused by independent contractors, vendors, or fellow passengers may involve different parties.

Because maritime law and cruise line contracts can be complicated, it’s important to consult with experienced attorneys like those at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. to evaluate your case and help identify who may be liable for your injuries.

Where Do I File a Claim Against a Cruise Line?

Filing a claim against a cruise line typically involves specific legal procedures and deadlines governed by maritime law and the terms outlined in your cruise ticket contract. Most cruise lines require that claims be filed in a particular jurisdiction, often where the cruise line is headquartered or where the ship is registered. Commonly, this means filing your claim in federal court, such as in the Southern District of Florida, where many cruise lines are based. For Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Carnival, NCL and MSC, claims are generally filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, as these companies are headquartered in Miami, Florida. Claims against Disney Cruise Line, on the other hand, are typically filed in Orlando, the jurisdiction specified in their passenger contract. Cruise tickets usually include a “forum selection clause” that dictates the location and venue for any legal action.

To ensure your claim is filed correctly and within the required timeframe, it’s best to consult with experienced maritime attorneys like those at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., who can guide you through the process and protect your rights.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim Against a Cruise Line?

It’s important to act quickly because there are strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing claims related to cruise accidents. Most cruise lines require passengers to file personal injury claims within one year from the date of the injury or incident. This one-year statute of limitations is enforced by federal law and has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

For certain types of claims, such as wrongful death, the statute of limitations may be longer, often up to three years under maritime law. However, these timeframes can vary depending on the cruise line and the nature of the claim.

Because of these tight deadlines, it is crucial to act promptly and consult with experienced maritime attorneys at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. to ensure your claim is filed within the required period and all legal requirements are met.

Our Legal Professionals Are Here to Help You Maximize Your Claim’s Potential

Our team offers over 250 years of combined experience in admiralty law, maritime law, and cruise ship injury lawsuits. Our lawyers include Board Certified experts in maritime law. Located in seven offices across the U.S., Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. has won more than $500 Million for our clients since we first opened in 1971. No matter what cruise line you are considering a lawsuit against, we have the tools and resources to handle your case.

When your cruise vacation goes wrong, you may need specific guidance when dealing with the cruise industry. If you are unsure how to sue a cruise line, know that there are resources and law firms, including ours, that can guide you through this process. If you are seeking help with your lawsuit, do not hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. Give us a call at 877–233–1238 or fill out our online contact form to learn more.

Published on February 8, 2024

Categories: Cruise Ship

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