What can I do if I fell on a cruise ship and injured myself badly?

Question

I was going on vacation in Florida on a Cruise Line. I went up an escalator and fell hitting my shoulder, neck, head and right foot.

James Kelaher · Answer

Contact an attorney immediately as the statute of limitations on a cruise ship injury can be as short as one year.

Timothy Klisz · Answer

You need to act fast, because the limitations periods are very quick.

Mark Smith · Answer

You can sue the cruise ship. Be careful the contract language has a very   limited statute of limitations. You still must show that the cause of the  fall  was the ship's and not yours, but there is comparative negligence.

Dennis P. Mikko · Answer

Whether you have a claim would depend on if there was a defect on the escalator.  If the answer is there was no defect, you probably do not have a claim.

James Osak · Answer

A slip-and-fall on a cruise ship is treated the same as a slip-and-fall in a store. Talk to an attorney ASAP.

Michael Heilmann · Answer

Cruise line cases require notice to the carrier within six months and suit within a year in a place the Cruise Line has chosen. These are strict limits and the case usually must be brought in FL.

Stephen Lombardi · Answer

Answer: Yes, but were you drunk? Seriously, I ask that question because   comparative fault can be an issue.

Irving Blank · Answer

You must prove fault.  The mere fact that you fell resulting in an injury is not enough.

Jared Altman · Answer

If someone was at fault then you can sue.

Jerrie Weiss · Answer

It will depend on whether there was a defect in the escalator.  They are not responsible for a fall or injuries related thereto unless there is a dangerous condition which they had notice of.

Douglas R. Williams · Answer

You can sue cruise lines for your personal injuries, just like other entities.  However, your cruise ticket contains "fine print" that shortens the time period you have to assert your claim.  We recommend you speak with an experienced maritime attorney promptly.

Britany Engelman · Answer

You should contact a lawyer to discuss this potential case. Cruise cases can be tricky due to the international nature of the water. Due to the statutes of limitation what will apply, it is important that you speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.

Ronald A. Steinberg · Answer

Oh, boy, are you in for a treat.  An accident on a ship is handled by lawyers who specialize in Admiralty law.  The claim will be made in the jurisdiction where you boarded the ship, and so you will need an Admiralty specialist in that jurisdiction.  Save your tickets, boarding passes, and all paperwork from the cruise, because the lawyer will need that information.  There is verbiage on those documents that will be important to how the claim will be made.

Charles E. Cartwright · Answer

If a defect caused you to fall, you may have a a case against the cruise line.? I encourage you to speak to an attorney.

Steven D. Dunnings · Answer

You need to prove there was something wrong with the escalator otherwise everyone will assume you're just clumsy.

John Brennan · Answer

Falling does not entitle you to a recovery unless it was caused by some defect or fault.

Joseph John Ganz · Answer

Well, you can make a claim with the Cruise Line but unless there was something wrong, broken or inherently dangerous with the escalator you would likely not prevail in any legal forum.

Bernard Huff · Answer

Contact an attorney who handles slip and fall cases for specific legal advice.

Brett Rosenthal · Answer

Depending on what caused the fall dictates your options.

Paul Whitfield · Answer

You can sue them if THEY were negligent. If you just did a dummy and fell over your own feet you can do nothing. You have to prove negligence to recover money damages (except in worker comp case).

Robert Lucky · Answer

Injuries that occur on cruise ship are governed by some very strict rules. Was the cruise ship headed to an international destination? Were you at sea or still docked? There are many questions that must be answered prior to any advice being given. Please feel free to contact my office to discuss further.

Arthur Aiken · Answer

You may have a claim against the cruise line. You will need to determine where you will have to file any lawsuit. Many cruise lines include language on their documents allowing them to be sued only in specific places. Check your paperwork and call the cruise line to determine where they consent to be sued.

Scott Behren · Answer

You can file a claim against the cruise line. Must usually file in Florida.

Bruce Arthur Plesser · Answer

Hire a lawyer. Get med records. Make a demand.

Eric Rothstein · Answer

What was the negligence? If you want to sue, I suggest you read the back of your ticket or your contract as cruise lines all have very tough requirements to sue. Usually you need to serve a Notice of Claim and most require suit in Florida. These rules have been upheld by the US Supreme Court. Read the ticket to find out what State you have to sue in and them contact a lawyer in that State.

Phong Thanh Tran · Answer

You can submit a claim or demand to the cruise line for compensation.  If that doesn't work, you will need to file a lawsuit against it.

C. Hopkins · Answer

If the accident happened when the boat was more than 6 miles from shore, your legal action may have to be filed in federal court under maritime law, and not Florida State Court. You need to seek an attorney to get the correct answer. Why not first simply try filing a claim with the insurance company for the cruise line?

Kevin Habberfield · Answer

You need to find a PI attorney that specializes in cruise ships. There are different rules at play for these types of claims. Google search for it and you'll find plenty in Florida.  Good luck.

Steven Urban · Answer

You could likely bring an action for damages against the Cruise company,  if their actions or inactions were the cause of your fall.   Notwithstanding and before you do so, you should probably check your  contract with the company, as it may require arbitration of your dispute  or otherwise limit your ability to bring an action against the company  in the forum of your choosing.

Linh Nguyen · Answer

You should consult with a personal injury lawyer immediately.  He or she will be able to evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action.  Most offer a free consultation, so take advantage.  Good luck.

Michael Yeksavich · Answer

Whose fault was it that you fell?

Thomas Bulman · Answer

You will need to find an attorney that handles maritime injury claims.  Use Google to find an atty in the city you embarked from.

Stuart Nachbar · Answer

You do not say what caused you to fall.  Was it something wrong with the escalator?  File a claim with the cruise ship line.

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What can I do if I fell on a cruise ship and injured myself badly?

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