Shipping and Boating Accident FAQs

Shipping & Boating Accidents

What should I do if I am injured on a cruise?

First, seek medical attention. Then make sure that you notify the ship’s personnel so that they may document the incident. It could be helpful if someone from your party took photographs of the area where you were injured. Later, getting access to the ship may prove difficult. Get the names and contact information from any passenger who witnessed the incident.

What if I am injured on a cruise ship? Can I make a claim?

In most cases, the answer is yes. However, it is important that you consult an attorney as soon as possible. Cruise lines put language in fine print in the contract which states that by purchasing the tickets you agree to limit the time to file a claim. Every state has statutes of limitations that require you to bring a lawsuit within a certain number of years. Sometimes, in the fine print of the contract, the cruise lines reduce the time to bring a lawsuit to 1 year.

What if I was so embarrassed that I did not notify anyone from the ship that I was injured due to their negligence? May I still make a claim?

Yes, but having some way of substantiating and supporting exactly what occurred is very important. It is always best that you immediately inform a ship’s officer and have them document the incident. Also, if there were any witnesses that saw the incident, try to get their names, addresses, and/or telephone numbers. Many times, obtaining the names of other passengers directly from the cruise lines is very difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

DISCLAIMER:
Please note that the above answers to these questions should not be construed as legal advice, as all situations differ, and you should always consult the advice of an lawyer before making any decisions regarding injury claims or other legal matters referred to herein. These answers are intended to provide general information only.

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