Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Blog
While the ship itself holds plenty of amenities and fun, one of the biggest draws for cruise vacations is the array of shore excursions that await each port. Online travel resource Expedia reports that around 70% of all passengers disembark for activities at ports. Zip-lining, ATV, and snorkeling are popular for adventure seekers of all ages.
However, these activities come with risks, especially when dealing with tour operators who fall outside the safety laws of the US. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can help you file a claim if you were injured, but you should be aware of what cruise lines don’t tell you about shore excursions.
Who is Liable for a Cruise Shore Excursion Injury?
Liability for a shore excursion injury can fall on several parties. The tour operator is often the first one named, since its staff runs the activity. However, the cruise line may share responsibility if it is negligent in:
- Choosing the operator
- Ignoring known safety problems
- Failing to warn passengers of risks
Liability depends on the facts, your ticket contract, and where the accident happened.
Suing a Cruise Line for an Excursion Accident
You can sue a cruise line for an excursion accident, but there are challenges. Cruise lines often say the tour operator is an independent contractor, and your ticket contract usually repeats that claim. Courts may still hold the cruise line responsible if it was negligent, misled passengers about safety, or acted as the operator’s partner.
Note that ticket contracts may set short deadlines and require filing in a specific court. Missing these rules can lead to dismissal.
Common Causes of Zip-Line, ATV, and Snorkeling Accidents
These accidents often share the same causes, such as:
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Untrained guides
- Rushed safety briefings
- Groups that are too large to supervise
Zip-line failures can cause falls and fractures, while ATV rollovers and collisions often lead to head injuries, broken bones, and spinal damage. Strong currents, boat strikes, or faulty gear could turn a snorkeling trip into a disaster. These injuries can lead to costly medical care, lost income, and long recovery times.
How Cruise Lines Profit From Shore Excursions
Cruise lines do more than sell tickets to shore excursions. They often choose which tour operators to feature, market the tours under their own brand, and book them through their apps and onboard desks. In return, they typically earn a commission or markup on each sale.
Passengers may assume the cruise line checked the operator’s safety record. If the cruise line knew about hazards or skipped basic vetting, that failure can support a negligence claim.
Call Now to Speak to a Miami Cruise Ship Accident Attorney
It is critical to take action after being injured, and one of the first steps to protect your claim is retaining qualified legal counsel. A lawyer can help gather evidence and deal with the insurance company, all while keeping an eye on important deadlines.
To learn more about your rights, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA. You can call (305) 371-6000 to set up a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.