Cruise Ship Accidents
Cruise ships are meant to provide a fun and safe environment where people and families can travel from port to port while enjoying the amenities of a floating resort. Unfortunately, for all the benefits that a cruise ship may provide, they are not without safety risks. Cruise ship accidents happen much more frequently than most people realize.
Cruise ship accidents can cause serious injuries that result in costly financial losses. Individuals in the Houston, TX, area who have been injured in a cruise ship accident can work with maritime accident lawyer Michael E. Shelton to determine who is liable for their accident and the amount of damages they may be due.
Types of Cruise Ship Accidents
Cruise ships offer a lot of amenities and fun activities, often including swimming pools, water slides, restaurants, shops, and shore excursions. With such a wide range of entertainment, there is also a high risk of accidents. Some of the most common types of cruise ship accidents that can occur include:
- Slips and falls
- Accidents involving water slides or other recreational equipment
- Shore excursion accidents
- Food poisoning
- Medical negligence from cruise ship doctors
- Assault (either involving cruise ship staff or other passengers)
Liability for Cruise Ship Accidents
The liability for a cruise ship accident will vary depending on the details of the accident and injury. However, a cruise ship has a duty of care to their passengers (and staff). Cruise ship owners and operators are obligated to do their part to maintain a safe environment, and they are also responsible for the actions of their employees and agents. If neglect or misconduct on the part of cruise ship operators or their staff results in an accident, the cruise ship company can generally be held liable.
Even if a passenger is injured during an on-shore excursion, the cruise ship may hold at least partial liability. If they promoted the excursion to passengers, then passengers have the right to expect that it is reasonably safe. If an excursion company acts negligently, the cruise ship may share responsibility for that negligence.
Potential Damages in a Cruise Ship Accident
Individuals injured in a cruise ship accident may be due financial compensation for a range of economic and non-economic damages. Potential areas of compensation for our Houston clients include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Loss of wage earning potential
- Pain and suffering
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Cruise ship accident lawsuits are more complex than many other personal injury cases, because they may involve state, federal, and maritime laws. Additionally, statute of limitation laws usually do not apply. In most cases, cruise ship passengers have a contract (their ticket) that dictates how much time they have to file a lawsuit. The average amount of time a passenger has to file a claim is one year.
Some cruise ship companies require they receive a notice before a lawsuit can be filed. The deadline to file a notice can be even shorter. It is important that cruise ship passengers act quickly following an accident to avoid missing the window of eligibility to file a lawsuit.
Contact The Shelton Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a cruise ship accident, attorney Michael E. Shelton can help you obtain the financial compensation you are due. Time is of the essence in these types of cases. Send us a message or call our Houston-area law firm at (713) 807-0700.
