If you ever need to sue a cruise line due to injury or illness while aboard a ship there are a number of points you need to be aware of. Knowing these points will ensure you maintain your rights. Always check the language on your boarding pass and any contractual agreements you accept to find out full details. Below are a few common limitations that you need to be aware of.
1. Limited Locations for Suit
The fine-print on most cruise contracts between the cruise line and passengers calls for all law suits filed against the cruise company to be filed in a south Florida court and nowhere else. This may be a hassle for cruisers on the West Coast or those who live nowhere near south Florida. Be prepared for this requirement by always having the phone number of a qualified south Florida cruise accident attorney on you before you embark on your vacation, regardless of which part of the world you are cruising to or from.
2. Limited Time for Suit
Most cruise lines require that any injuries experienced on their cruise line be reported to the cruise line in writing within six months of the injury’s taking place. This means that you must not wait to execute upon your rights to seek damages or you may lose them. As soon as possible after your injury takes place notify the crew in writing to secure your rights in the future.
Always seek medical treatment after any injuries you experience while on a cruise ship. The evidence of your needing medical treatment will later be helpful in proving your injuries if the cruise line decides to dispute your them.
If you have any questions about your rights as a cruise-ship guest or wish to speak to a south Florida lawyer about an incident on a recent cruise, contact the Maus Law Firm at 855-999-LAWS and speak with an experienced attorney now.