Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Blog
When you suffer injuries in a cruise ship accident, it is understandable that you just want to focus on recovery and getting your life back. However, there are important reasons that you must act right away. Fortunately, you can protect your rights with some basic steps, starting with contacting a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer. In addition, keep in mind a few details about why it is a mistake to wait.
How Long Do You Have to File a Cruise Ship Injury Claim?
US maritime law gives injured passengers up to three years after the injury to file a lawsuit. However, a separate section of the statute allows cruise lines to require litigation within one year. Many tickets also set shorter deadlines for written notice, as described below. Miss either deadline, and a court may dismiss your case. These limits vary by cruise line, so read your ticket contract promptly to protect your rights.
Cruise Line Notice Requirements After an Injury
A notice requirement is a written warning that you plan to make a claim, and it is a separate act from filing a lawsuit. Most cruise ticket contracts require this notice within six months of the injury, and federal law does not allow operators to mandate a shorter period. The notice usually must go to a specific address named in the contract. Notice typically includes:
- Your name, as claimant
- The date and location of the accident
- A brief description of what happened
Missing this step can end your claim before it starts.
Why Evidence Disappears Fast After a Cruise Ship Accident
Cruise lines control the scene of your accident, and proof can vanish quickly. Surveillance video is often overwritten within days or weeks. Crew members may be reassigned, and the ship sails to a new port. Fellow passengers go home, and their memories fade. Maintenance logs and incident reports can also be lost over time.
Once evidence is gone, it is hard to show how the accident happened or who was at fault. A lawyer can send a preservation letter that demands the cruise line keep key records.
What to Do After a Cruise Ship Injury: Steps to Protect Your Claim
Take these steps as soon as you can.
- Report the injury to the crew.
- Visit the ship’s medical center.
- Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Collect names and contact details from witnesses.
Make sure to keep your ticket, receipts, and all medical records. You should not sign any forms or give recorded statements without legal advice, which means you should contact a cruise injury attorney quickly.
Our Miami Cruise Ship Injury Attorneys Will Help with Critical Deadlines
It is critical to take these steps to protect your rights, but it is equally important to retain experienced legal counsel after a cruise ship accident. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses, so please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA, to learn more. You can set up a free consultation by calling (305) 371-6000 to reach our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.