Despite today’s poor economy, the cruise industry is certainly thriving. Cruise Market Watch, an online database, predicts that the cruise line industry will grow at a rate of 7% between now and 2017. People normally embark on cruises for one key reason: to escape the stresses of ordinary life. Yet, despite the opportunity to rest and relax, please be advised that you are not out of harm’s way.
For instance, a tragic incident recently occurred on a Disney Cruise ship when a grandfather’s thumb was amputated. Marco Acosta, 73, was enjoying his time on a Disney cruise ship preparing for the Captain’s dinner when the horrific injury occurred. Mr. Acosta was standing near a hallway door with his thumb on the doorframe, while his wife was also holding the door open with her foot. She moved her foot and the door “slammed shut with force” on Mr. Acosta’s thumb, severing it. Mr. Acosta visited a Cruise nurse who bandaged the wound and put the severed thumb on ice. It was days before Mr. Acosta had the opportunity to see a doctor. By this time, it was too late to reattach his severed digit.
Mr. Acosta filed a lawsuit against the cruise line, alleging that Disney’s negligence resulted in his injury. The lawsuit alleges:
- Failure to maintain cabin doors in a safe manner;
- Failure to warn passengers of the cabin doors’ dangers;
- Failure to provide safety devices on the hinges of the cabin doors;
- Failure to provide timely and adequate medical attention.
If you or a loved one suffered from an injury on a cruise ship, it is imperative that you hire an experienced attorney. The Miami maritime lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz PA are here to help. Our attorneys are experienced in filing claims against all major cruise lines. We know how to aggressively handle maritime lawsuits. We will fight hard to enforce your legal rights and we will not hesitate to bring your case to trial if a fair settlement offer is not made.
The Several Complexities of a Cruise Ship Lawsuit
Many people are unaware that cases involving cruise ships are significantly different from cases on land. Carefully read your cruise ticket. Many cruise lines will insert special provisions on the ticket itself. These provisions can be powerful and some even shorten the time you have to file your lawsuit with the courts. Your ticket may also state the amount of time you have to report your injury. Sometimes the ticket will only give you six months to make such report. It is critical that you report your accident as soon as possible. Given the time limitations discussed here, it is vital that you hire a lawyer to investigate the facts and analyze potential legal issues. Please do not waste any time. An experienced maritime lawyer will also be able to manage through difficult jurisdictional issues that typically arise in cruise ship cases. For example, if you are injured on foreign soil, jurisdiction, or where the case will be adjudicated, is a key issue. If you believe that a cruise ship operator, or employee was negligent which resulted in a serious injury then do not wait. Time is working against you so act before delay prejudices or bars your claim.
Take Action Now
It is important that you seek advice of an experienced maritime attorney. The Miami maritime lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz PA are here to help. We know the relevant laws and are licensed to practice law in all Florida state and federal courts. Our Florida law offices are located in the heart of Miami. Our attorneys have 80 years of collective experience handling maritime accident cases. Your case will be handled on a contingency fee. Thus, no money is owed to us unless we recover money on your behalf. Contact us today at for a consultation at 1-877-475-2905.