Can I Sue Norwegian Cruises if I Was Injured While Parasailing?

You can generally sue Norwegian Cruises if you were injured while parasailing and the cruise line was liable for your injuries. If Norwegian Cruises is not liable for your injuries, you would need to take legal action against another liable party for your compensation. A Florida Norwegian Cruise Line accident lawyer can help you determine liability and seek the settlement you’re owed. 

A few factors may influence your ability to sue Norwegian Cruises, such as the laws in the country you cruised to, proof of negligence, and any waivers you signed. You may find it helpful to reach out to a personal injury law firm to discuss the details of your case during a free initial consultation. 

You Can Sue Norwegian Cruises If Certain Factors Are Present in Your Case

Your personal injury attorney can assess your case to determine your legal options. Your ability to sue Norwegian Cruises may depend on the following factors.

Negligence

To have a valid claim, you must be able to prove that negligence occurred. This could be negligence by the cruise line, the parasailing operator, or their employees. For instance, if the equipment was faulty or if the staff failed to provide proper instructions or failed to act appropriately under the conditions, these could be grounds for negligence.

Any Waivers You Signed

When you participate in parasailing or other activities, you might be required to sign a waiver. However, waivers are not always absolute, especially if negligence can be proven. It’s important to review the terms of any agreements you signed, as these can affect your ability to sue.

Any Third-Party Involvement in Your Accident

Cruise lines often contract with third-party companies to provide excursion activities like parasailing. If the parasailing operation was run by a third party, then the lawsuit might need to be directed primarily at that company, though the cruise line might still be held liable, especially if they did not exercise due diligence in selecting a reputable operator.

Maritime Law and Jurisdiction

The legal complexities increase since maritime law often applies to incidents that occur at sea. The location where the injury occurred and where the lawsuit can be filed also play significant roles in the case.

Given these considerations, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in maritime or personal injury law. They can help you navigate the legal challenges and determine the best course of action based on the specifics of your case. This way, you can understand your rights and explore all potential avenues for seeking compensation for your injuries.

Damages an Injured Cruise Passenger Can Recover

If you sue Norwegian Cruises or another liable party, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Some of these recoverable damages may include: 

• Medical expenses: Compensation for all medical costs associated with the injury, both immediate and long-term. This includes hospital bills, costs of surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any other medical treatments needed to address your injuries.
• Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your injuries impact your ability to earn in the future, you can seek compensation for lost earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering and mental anguish: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injuries and the trauma of the accident. This also covers mental anguish and the overall decrease in quality of life.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages may be awarded if your injuries prevent you from enjoying your usual activities and hobbies, or if they significantly alter your lifestyle.
• Disability and disfigurement: If the accident results in permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be able to recover compensation for the lasting effects of these conditions.

The types of damages you can recover depend on the details of your case. This is why many injured passengers decide to work with a cruise ship injury lawyer for guidance in their cases.

You Can Also Recover Compensation If Your Loved One Passed Away in a Fatal Cruise Ship Injury Case

If you lost someone you love in a parasailing accident on a Norwegian Cruises excursion, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages. These include: 

• Medical expenses: Any medical costs related to your loved one’s accident before their passing.
• Funeral and burial expenses: Costs associated with funeral services and burial.
• Pain and suffering of the deceased: Compensation for the pain and suffering endured by your loved one prior to death.
• Loss of income: Potential future earnings that the deceased would have provided.

Florida Statutes § 95.11 generally only allows two years to file a cruise ship lawsuit, whether it involves a personal injury or wrongful death. Don’t wait to get started on your case. 

What Other Parties May Be Liable for Your Norwegian Cruise Parasailing Accident?

Several parties may share liability for compensating you. Your cruise ship accident lawyers can determine who contributed to your accident: 

• Norwegian Cruise Line: The cruise line itself might be liable if it failed to ensure the safety of the excursion, such as by not properly vetting the parasailing operator or not providing adequate safety information to passengers.
• Parasailing operator: If the parasailing was operated by a third-party company, which is often the case, this operator might be liable for negligence in various forms, including providing faulty equipment, insufficient training for staff, or failing to adhere to safety standards.
• Equipment manufacturers: If the accident was caused by defective equipment, the manufacturer of that equipment could be held responsible under product liability laws.
• Crew members or instructors: Individuals directly involved in the operation of the parasailing activity who may have acted negligently could also be held accountable. This could include improper launching or handling of the equipment, or inadequate responses to emergent situations.
• Other entities: Depending on the chain of service provision, other parties involved in the logistics and operation of the parasailing excursion could potentially be held accountable in your personal injury claim.

Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers to Work With Our Cruise Ship Accident Attorneys

Cruise ship passengers should not have to worry about taking legal action after suffering an injury. Our law firm is equipped to stand up to Norwegian Cruises, or any other major cruise line such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Princess Cruises. 

Call us today to learn more and discuss your case during a free initial consultation.