Can I Sue Carnival Cruises for an Accident?

You can sue Carnival Cruises for an accident caused by their negligence. A cruise ship accident lawyer in Florida can help you prove why your accident happened and identify the elements of negligence that enable you to seek compensation. To do so, your attorney will thoroughly investigate your claim, establishing your rights and the cruise line’s financial liability.

Most importantly, your lawyer will deal with the insurance company for you, allowing you to focus on getting better. With their guidance and direction, you can recover damages for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Most personal injury lawyers require no upfront payment; you pay nothing unless you win your case.

What Kinds of Accidents Can Happen on a Carnival Cruise Ship?

A cruise ship is a massive, floating vessel that boasts a host of activities, events—and hidden dangers. You or a loved one could be entitled to compensation if you sustained an injury due to:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Foodborne illnesses
• Falls overboard
• Swimming pool accidents
• Passenger violence

This list only scratches the surface of what might befall you while on a cruise. The lawyer handling your case will build a convincing case file based on the circumstances of your accident.

How Can You Prove Negligence Caused the Accident?

To hold Carnival Cruise Lines accountable for your accident and injuries, your attorney will prove the following elements of negligence:

• The cruise line owed you a duty of reasonable care 
• Their action (or lack of action) breached their legal duty
• Your accident or illness resulted from their negligence
• Your accident and resulting injuries had financial consequences

Your lawyer will prove these elements with a robust evidence collection. They will not ask you or your family to compile the evidence your case needs. Instead, they will do all the research and communication required to build a comprehensive and persuasive case file.

What Evidence Will You Collect?

Evidence collection in cruise accident cases can be challenging since your lawyer will only become involved after the voyage ends, if you take photos or videos at the accident scene, you could provide them to your attorney, who will also seek:

• The cruise ship’s incident report
• Onboard and post-cruise medical records and bills
• Employment and income records
• Lay and expert witness statements

Your legal team will handle this process and organize your evidence to submit your case file to the cruise line’s representatives. 

Will Proof of Carnival Cruise Line’s Negligence Lead to a Settlement?

When a cruise ship accident lawyer takes on your case, they work toward a settlement agreement rather than a trial so your family can get the money you need faster.

Most cases settle when the evidence clearly indicates the at-fault party’s negligence. To steer your case toward a settlement, your lawyer will:

• Present your case file to the at-fault party
• Prove the cruise liner’s negligence.
• Submit a settlement demand letter.
• Weigh each monetary offer you receive.
• Help you consider its pros and cons.

Your lawyer will combat unreasonably low settlement offers and make counteroffers, helping you fight to maximize your financial recovery. The final decision to accept or reject a settlement offer is yours, but your lawyer will guide you toward a well-informed settlement decision.

How Much Will the Lawyer Charge to Handle a Cruise Ship Accident Case?

Most personal injury lawyers do not charge upfront fees. Instead, they will cover all the costs of preparing your case and will only receive compensation if they win your case. If you do not recover damages, you will not owe the law firm any legal or attorney’s fees.

This risk-free fee structure means you can get started immediately and avoid any delays that might hinder your injury claim. 

How Much Is a Cruise Ship Accident Case Worth?

No two injury cases are exactly alike, so the value of your case is a unique combination of costs and other factors. When assessing the value of your specific case, your lawyer will establish the severity of your injuries and their effect on your life.

Your recoverable damages might include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Current and future income loss
• Personal property damage or loss
• Lasting impairment or disfigurement
• Ongoing physical pain and suffering
• Continuing mental and emotional trauma

If your loved one died because of Carnival Cruises’ negligence, you could recover wrongful death damages such as the costs of the decedent’s funeral and burial, the loss of their financial and domestic contributions, and loss of consortium, guidance, and support. Your wrongful death lawyer will clarify who can file the claim and which family members can receive compensation.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit for the Accident?

Because Carnival Cruise Line’s headquarters are in Miami, you will likely file your lawsuit there. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years:

• From the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit
• From the date your family member died to file a wrongful death lawsuit

Filing your lawsuit on time is crucial. The court could bar you from filing your lawsuit if the deadline expires. If that happens, the insurance company will cease negotiations, and you could be left with far less than you need—or nothing at all— to ease the financial burden of the accident.

A cruise ship accident attorney can accurately interpret the filing deadline and help you avoid the costly consequences of filing your lawsuit too late. 

Get a Free Review of Your Carnival Cruises Accident Case Now

If you or someone you love suffered an injury or became ill onboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship, you could sue the cruise line for monetary compensation. The personal injury lawyers at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can help you document your injuries and the cruise line’s negligence. 

Find out how you can recover damages with a free case review. Contact our consultation team today to get started.