Can I Sue Princess Cruises for an Accident?

If an accident interrupted your cruise because you were injured, you could sue Princess Cruises. To do so, you must prove that negligence caused your accident.

That means proving it did something—or failed to do something—that led to the accident. You’ll need to investigate the incident and its cause, collect evidence, and file an insurance claim or lawsuit.

However, if a Florida cruise ship accident lawyer represents you, they will handle those tasks for you. They’ll evaluate the case and advise on the best course of action. Damages you could recover include medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Your lawyer will take on the insurance company and deal with the adjuster. While they do, you can focus on your physical recovery. 

Financial Compensation for Injured Cruise Ship Passengers

After a negligence-based injury, you can recover three types of damages from the at-fault party: economic, noneconomic, and punitive. Your lawyer will request economic damages to cover potential out-of-pocket costs, including the following:

• Past and future medical bills
• Past and future lost income
• Loss of future earning ability
• Property damage or loss

You can also request noneconomic damages that compensate you for the physical and emotional toll of your accident and resulting injuries, such as:

• Disfigurement and disability
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In very rare cases, you might also recover punitive damages. These damage awards are rare. Your lawyer will inform you if they are available in your case.

Wrongful Death Damages After an Accident on a Princess Cruise Ship

Wrongful death damages are available for families who experienced the loss of a loved one in a cruise ship accident. The decedent’s parents, spouse, and children can pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and more.

Do Not Wait to File Your Lawsuit Against Princess Cruises

The filing deadline for cruise ship accident lawsuits can become complicated. In Florida, you generally have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. If the statute of limitations expires:

• The court will not allow you to file your lawsuit.
• The insurance company might stop negotiating.

Either of these outcomes means you will recover a fraction of what you deserve—if you receive anything at all. However, your lawyer will help you accurately interpret the statute of limitations. With their guidance, you can avoid the costly consequences of missing the filing deadline.

Cruise Ship Accidents that Could Be Considered Negligent

Cruise ships offer multiple types of entertainment and activities. Ships typically boast several pool areas, restaurants, and gaming areas. They might also provide excursions while in port. Accidents while on a cruise can happen anywhere:

• Accidental drownings
• Food poisoning
• Falls overboard
• Shore excursion accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Bed bug infestations
• Criminal assault

Injuries commonly reported among cruise passengers include broken bones, severe diarrhea, and internal organ damage. Your legal team will help you or a loved one document your injuries and recover damages from the at-fault party.

Your Lawyer Can Help You Prove the Elements of Negligence

Negligence means a person or entity did something that caused your accident, such as cooking spoiled food and serving it at the buffet. It could also mean they did not do something that would have prevented your injury, such as failing to clean a known spill, leading to a nasty fall.

To establish negligence, your lawyer must prove the at-fault party owed you a duty of care and breached their responsibility, leading to your accident and its financial consequences.

Your lawyer will collect evidence that proves negligence, including medical records, witness statements, bills, and receipts. They will also search for photos, videos, and other evidence that supports your injury claim.

Evidence that Your Legal Team Will Use to Build a Compelling Case File

Cruise ship accidents are unique because the investigation can only occur once the ship returns to port. Sometimes, depending on the severity of your injuries, you can collect evidence that will benefit your case while aboard ship, including the following:

• Photos of your injuries
• Photos of the accident scene
• Any available video (ship-generated or smartphone)
• Copies of official cruise line incident or accident reports

Share any evidence you have with your legal team, which will also collect additional evidence that supports your right to financial compensation. 

How a Cruise Ship Accident Attorney Can Steer Your Case Toward a Settlement

Your lawyer will assess your claim’s monetary value, back up your compensation request with bills and other documentation, and then send a settlement request letter to Princess Cruises’ representatives. 

Additional steps they will take on your behalf include:

• Investigating all aspects of your accident
• Gathering evidence that proves negligence
• Compiling all official records and reports
• Interviewing accident and expert witnesses

Next, your attorney will handle the back-and-forth process of settlement offers and negotiations. They will weigh each offer and fight hard to achieve your best financial outcome. 

Your Lawyer Will Accept Your Case on a Contingency Fee Basis

Most cruise ship accident attorneys will accept your case at no upfront cost. What does this arrangement mean for you?

• Your lawyer will not charge hourly fees.
• Your lawyer will not request a retainer.
• Your legal team is motivated to win your case.

If your lawyer doesn’t win your case, you owe them nothing. If you recover compensation, your attorney will receive a percentage of your award as their fee.

Call Today for a Free Consultation on Your Cruise Ship Accident Case

If you or a loved one suffered an injury while on a Princess Cruises voyage, you could sue the cruise line for an accident and its resulting injuries. The legal team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers will deal with the insurance company and fight hard for your financial recovery, allowing you to recuperate.

When we handle your case, you get almost three decades of experience on your side, working with you and your family to get your money faster. Contact our consultation team today to find out how hard our family will fight for your family.