How to File a Claim Against a Cruise Ship Line

If you or someone you love suffered injuries on a cruise, you can file a claim against the cruise ship line to seek compensation. It can be hard to understand personal injury and maritime law on your own. You do not have to pursue the cruise line or struggle to recover damages from their insurance company alone. A lawyer in your area can help you understand the appropriate legal parameters of how to file a claim against a cruise ship line.

They will explain each phase of your claim—the investigation phase, filing phase, negotiation phase, and potential court case. Each of these phases requires an understanding of the law and your rights and attention to detail. Your lawyer will file your insurance claim while you focus on getting better.

Do I Need a Lawyer, or Can I File My Claim Without One?

You can pursue any type of civil lawsuit on your own, but you deserve to focus on your health. A personal injury lawyer can represent you in a personal injury, premises liability, or maritime injury lawsuit against a cruise line. For example, an attorney can:

• Explain the specifics and complexities of maritime law
• Explain your rights and the cruise line’s responsibilities
• Take on the cruise line and its representatives regardless of size
• Accurately assess the monetary value of your claim
• Clarify when to file your lawsuit and when to negotiate a settlement
• Compile, sort, and organize evidence that supports your case

In addition to these reasons, the cruise line will have its own representatives investigating on their behalf. Having a representative of your own puts you at a distinct advantage, gives the cruise line notice that you take your case seriously, and means your case is buffeted by familiarity with state and local law.

Most personal injury lawyers will accept your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning their representation is risk-free, and they will only receive compensation after they have recovered it for you.

What Damages Can I Recover After an Accident Onboard a Cruise Ship?

As part of evaluating your case, your lawyer will carefully assess your recoverable damages. After collecting bills, receipts, estimates, and other documents that support their value, they will demand the following compensation:

• Past, present, and future medical bills
• Past, present, and future lost wages
• Reduced future earning capacity
• Damage or loss of personal property
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Lasting disabilities and disfiguring injuries

If your family lost a loved one in a negligence-based cruise ship accident, your lawyer will request a range of wrongful death damages for your family. They will include the loss of your loved one’s income, support, guidance, and funeral and burial costs.

Negligence on the part of the cruise line entitles you to recover these damages. If you are represented by a lawyer, they will fight hard to recover them for you and to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

What Are the Steps Involved in Filing a Claim Against a Cruise Line?

When you sue a cruise line, you may have to file your claim wherever the company is headquartered. This can be difficult if you do not live in that area. A cruise line lawsuit is more complicated than a typical personal injury lawsuit in this and many other ways. To file your lawsuit, start by reviewing your case with a law firm that will:

• Assess your damages and attempt to negotiate a settlement
• Examine the cruise line’s evidence via discovery
• Make any necessary pre-trial motions or filings
• Collect and organize the evidence and prepare exhibits for trial
• Represent you at every phase of your court appearance

If you signed forms and a disclaimer when you purchased your cruise tickets, it does not bar you from all civil lawsuits. Provide your lawyer with a copy of these documents for review.

Does My Personal Injury Case Have to Go to Court?

You may not have to take your case to trial to secure fair compensation. Your lawyer will still file your lawsuit so that you can go to court if needed. Civil lawsuits typically settle out of court:

• Based on the weight of the evidence
• When negligence is clearly indicated
• Because trials are lengthy and uncertain

Your lawyer will create a demand letter based on their assessment of your recoverable damages. This letter will be sent to the cruise line’s representatives, who will either accept it, reject it, or submit a counteroffer. Your lawyer will weigh the feasibility of each offer you receive. They will not usurp your right to make the final decision. Instead, they will guide you toward a well-informed decision and the best possible outcome for you.

What Are the Main Reasons Passengers Sue Cruise Lines?

Cruising is a fun and relaxing vacation. It can be fraught with hidden dangers and hazards, though, that can lead to serious accidents and injuries. The most commonly reported reasons passengers file a claim against a cruise line include:

• Accidental slip and falls
• Burns and abrasions
• Broken and fractured bones
• Short and long-term disabilities
• Physical assault by other passengers
• Falling overboard on excursions

This list is not exhaustive. If you were injured in any way on a cruise ship, review the accident with your lawyer. They will review the merits of your case and explain how they develop a strategy that helps you recover monetary damages from the cruise line or their insurance provider.

Get Help Pursuing Compensation From a Cruise Line Now

If you or a loved one was injured on a cruise, our law firm can help. We will evaluate your case at no cost or obligation and advise you on the best course of action. Our client-focused team will explain how we file a claim against a cruise ship line and the types of monetary damages you can recover.

You do not have to take on the cruise line or their insurer on your own. Contact our consultation team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers to get started today.