Cowen Edwards helps people through the legal process when they’re injured on a cruise ship in Florida. If you’re in one of these accidents, you probably have a lot of questions. The starting question a lot of our clients have is pretty simple: do I need a lawyer? The answer depends on your needs, but our team can make the process much easier after one of these accidents. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
How Do I Know If I Need a Lawyer After an Accident on a Cruise Ship?
When you step aboard a cruise ship, there’s a lot of different things that can leave you injured. Every cruise ship and company takes extensive care when it comes to passenger safety, but again, there’s always the risk of accidents. But, when negligence is involved, it makes everything worse–while also giving you legal options. The question then becomes: how do you know if you need a lawyer. It depends on the circumstances, but there are a few markers that can tell you more:
- You were seriously injured – Your injuries are probably the most telling part of your legal options. If you need onboard medical care, led to missed work, or will need long-term treatment, your damages are going to likely be pretty significant.
- It’s unclear who was at fault – Accidents on a cruise ship usually involve a host of different people–crew members, other passengers, or even third-party vendors. This can make the claim more complex, but it also gives you more sources of potential financial support.
- The accident happened during a complicated situation – Injuries on shore excursions, during tender transfers, or in international waters often involve different rules and multiple parties. We can untangle the legal details and make sure your claim is handled correctly.
- The cruise line or its insurance company isn’t cooperating – Cruise companies and their insurance providers often delay or undervalue claims. If you’re hitting roadblocks or getting low offers, we’ll step in to negotiate and take legal action if needed.
- You’re overwhelmed by the process – These claims can involve unique laws (like maritime law), tight deadlines, and companies with strong legal teams. Having our team on your side means less stress for you–and a better shot at a fair outcome.
No matter what the situation is, our team will be there to help you through the process. That said, it’s important to know what your options mean.
How Does the Legal Process Work After a Cruise Ship Accident in Florida?
With all of the circumstances that come with an accident on a cruise ship, it’s difficult to know where to turn when it comes to the legal process. Still, the starting point of the process is the same: figuring out who’s responsible. If your injury was caused by crew negligence, unsafe conditions, or another passenger, the cruise line can be held responsible–just like any other business that fails to keep its premises safe. In fact, cruise ships are considered “common carriers,” which means they have an even higher legal duty to protect passengers from harm. With that, any of the following could be liable for your injuries:
- The cruise line’s parent company
- The ship’s crew
- Terminal operators or port authorities
- Onboard or portside businesses (bars, restaurants, shops)
- Equipment manufacturers
- Security teams
- Other passengers
While every case is different, cruise ship injury claims has the same process as any other injury claim, meaning you can either:
- File an insurance claim out of court
- File a lawsuit
Most cases start with a claim against the cruise line’s liability insurance company. We’ll negotiate to get you a fair settlement. If the insurance company won’t cooperate, we’ll file a lawsuit and take your case to court. Our goal is to recover “damages” for the losses you’ve suffered, which could include:
- Medical expenses (including hospital bills, rehab, and follow-up care)
- Lost wages and future income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
In most Florida cruise ship cases, there’s a strict time limit to file your claim–two years from the date of the accident. But many cruise lines set their own shorter deadlines in the fine print of your ticket–sometimes as short as six months to a year. That’s why it’s so important to speak with our lawyers right away.
Contact Cowen Edwards After a Cruise Ship Accident in Florida
If you’ve been injured on a cruise departing from a port in Florida, it’s natural to have questions–especially about your legal options. For minor injuries, you might be able to work directly with the cruise line. But if your injuries are more serious–or if the cruise line is being uncooperative–having an experienced team on your side can make a big difference.
At Cowen Edwards, our Florida cruise ship accident lawyers are here to take the pressure off you by:
- Investigating what happened
- Explaining your legal options
- Helping you gather evidence and information for a strong claim
- Negotiating with the cruise line’s insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary
We want to make this process as easy as we can for you and your family so you can focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to get your claim started.
