A woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a cruise operator after her fiancé’s death on board a ship in December 2024. According to a news report, the man was negligently served at least 33 alcoholic beverages, leading to intoxication and a drunken outburst. Crew used extreme and violent methods to detain him. These efforts led to his death, which was ultimately ruled a homicide.
Violent incidents occur frequently on cruises, and Miami cruise ship accident lawyers are essential in helping victims hold enormously profitable cruise lines accountable. Here are four things to know about the lawsuit to help you understand some basic legal issues.
- Wrongful Death is a Type of Personal Injury Lawsuit
When someone suffers a fatal injury due to negligence, the resulting legal action is called a wrongful death claim. This specific type of case is an extension of personal injury law. This civil claim alleges that the cruise line’s negligence or wrongful act led to the tragedy. To be successful, there must be solid evidence that the cruise operator breached their duty of care.
- Surviving Loved Ones May Recover Damages
In Florida, the right to pursue a claim for a fatal cruise ship injury is transferred to the deceased’s surviving family members and estate. Only the personal representative of the estate may file the lawsuit against the cruise line. Eligible survivors include the surviving spouse, children, and parents.
- Damages May Be Available for Surviving Loved Ones
Wrongful death claims exist to alleviate the profound, lasting hardships for the entire family after losing a loved one due to negligence. Claimants in a Miami wrongful death lawsuit can pursue two categories of compensation:
- Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses, such as the victim’s lost future income and the funeral or burial expenses paid by the survivors.
- Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses. These may include the surviving spouse’s loss of companionship and protection, or the children’s loss of parental guidance and instruction.
- A Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer is Critical for Legal Remedies
Fatal cruise ship accident claims are highly complex, often requiring lawsuits against major cruise lines with large legal departments and budgets. A skilled cruise ship accident lawyer is essential for navigating these strict federal laws, including potential limitations imposed by the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). An attorney can investigate the incident, establish the cruise line’s negligence, and fight to maximize the recovery for the surviving family.
Consult with a Miami Cruise Ship Accident Attorney Today
These are a few useful facts to know about the recent lawsuit, but there are many details at stake in a real-life cruise accident case. If your family has suffered harm due to cruise operator negligence, you need experienced legal counsel. The attorneys at Gerson & Schwartz, PA, focus specifically on complex claims, serving clients from our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. To discuss your rights and potential legal remedies, call (305) 371-6000 to set up a free, confidential consultation.