What You Need To Know If You Were Injured On A Cruise

Have you been injured on a cruise ship? Have you fallen on a slippery deck or a spill that nobody cleaned up? Tripped on an unsecured hatch, or a wire, or other equipment? Gotten hurt during a recreational activity? Been assaulted by a member of the crew? Or injured during a shore excursion?

Cruise Ship Injuries Are Different

Here are some things to know:

• Admiralty and maritime laws apply differently, depending on the flag or nationality of the ship you were on, the location where you were injured, and other factors. Were you on a U.S. flagged ship? In U.S. territorial waters? On the high seas? In the waters of another country? These factors can affect how your medical expenses will be paid, and what damages you may be able to recover.
• Your passage ticket can limit your remedies. You may need to give immediate notice of any claim, in six months, perhaps less.
• The statute of limitations on your cruise contract can be as short as one year.
• Even if you bought your ticket in your home state or country, you may have to pursue your rights in a venue chosen by the cruise company.
• Many cruise operators require you to sue in Miami, Florida. Others say you can only sue in Connecticut. You may have to go to arbitration. You may not be able to get a jury trial.

If you were injured on a cruise or an ocean voyage, learn your rights immediately. Contact Jacobs & Dow, LLC. If we can help you, we will. If not, we may be able to put you in touch with counsel in another jurisdiction who can.