Articles Tagged with cruise accident lawyer

Do you know what happens if a minor gets hurt on a cruise in Miami? As a parent, you might need this information, as the statistics are concerning. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the most common injuries to children are unintentional injuries like falls, drowning, burns, poisoning, suffocation, and transportation-related injuries, with the majority of these occurring at home. 

However, the risks are profound when your child is enjoying high-energy activities and fun amenities onboard a cruise. Consult with a Miami cruise ship accident attorney for personalized advice, but keep in mind some background about liability and children.

Liability When a Minor is Hurt on a Cruise Ship in Florida 

You are not alone if you have booked a cruise or are considering a cruise vacation in the coming months. Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) reports that 2023 passenger volume continued to surge, and the forecast remains strong. From 2024 through 2028, cruise capacity is expected to increase up to 10 percent. 

Though generally safe, there are some risks involved with cruise vacations. When cruise operators fail to uphold their duty to keep passengers safe, accidents happen. You might question whether to retain legal counsel if you were hurt, thinking that the cruise line will protect your rights. When you realize the important tasks a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer handles, you should be convinced.

Investigate the Cruise Ship Accident 

A tragic accident occurred on a Miami-bound MSC cruise ship when a 12-year-old girl fell from a balcony, leading to her death. A recent news article reported that the incident happened while the ship was docked in Port Miami before departure. Emergency services responded, but the young girl was pronounced dead despite efforts to save her. Authorities, including the Miami-Dade Police Department, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall. 

Though the details have yet to emerge, it is possible that the girl’s surviving family members will have legal remedies against the cruise ship operator. A fall from a balcony could indicate dangerous conditions and a breach of duty by the company. It is important to work with a Miami cruise ship accident attorney if you were hurt, but reviewing information about liability is helpful.

Cruise Ship Duty of Safety

Florida is a hub for cruise vacations, with millions of visitors from across the globe heading to Miami for cruises to the Caribbean and beyond. Around two dozen cruise lines operate out of Port Miami, and the vast majority of them return without incident. However, paradise can turn into a nightmare due to unexpected accidents at sea. You might be shocked to learn about some of the most disturbing and tragic disasters, some of which led to significant injuries and loss of life. 

If you were injured on a cruise ship in Miami, you may be entitled to monetary damages for your losses. To ensure you receive fair compensation, it is smart to retain a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer who will guide you through the legal process. Plus, you can have a look at some of the most shocking cruise ship incidents and the types of injuries to passengers.

RMS Titanic: This 1912 disaster serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unpreparedness. While this tragedy happened over a century ago, it highlights the importance of proper safety protocols and emergency response measures. Thousands needlessly died due to a lack of lifeboats and related equipment.

The basic timeline of a personal injury case typically includes filing an insurance claim and a lawsuit in court, with the possibility of settlement as a means of resolving the case. However, with cruise ship accidents in Miami, there is usually another step in the process because of the unique nature of these claims. You might be required to participate in a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) known as arbitration. The American Arbitration Association (AAA) notes a few of the clauses that may be included in your cruise vacation contract, which may indicate you are required to enter into arbitration. 

The benefits of arbitration after a cruise ship accident include a shorter time to resolution, avoiding court, and reduced legal expenses. Plus, in most cases, you will still be able to file a lawsuit in court if the arbitration process does not result in a reasonable amount of damages. Your Miami cruise ship accident lawyer will handle all necessary tasks and represent you during the process, but some information about arbitration is useful.

Overview of the Arbitration Process

You might read occasional news reports about passengers who have gone missing or overboard while on Miami cruise ship vacations, so you may not realize that these incidents are tragically quite common. According to statistics revealed by Florida Today, a total of 386 passengers went overboard on cruises and ferry boats from 2000 to 2023. Between 2009 and 2019 alone, there were 212 incidents of crew or guests going overboard, and just 48 were rescued. The data on passengers who have gone missing from cruise vacations is also disturbing, though problems with reporting make it difficult to determine exact figures. 

The grief and uncertainty are unimaginable if you lost a loved one on a cruise vacation in Florida, but it may be a comfort to know that you might have legal remedies. Cruise operators may be liable for missing or overboard passengers in some cases, and a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can assist with your legal remedies. Some background information is also useful.

Limited Chance of Survival for Overboard Passengers