Why the Cruise Line Accident Lawsuit Is Unique In Liability

Why the Cruise Line Accident Lawsuit Is Unique In Liability Cases

Safety is Loosely Regulated

Safety data on cruise lines is incomplete at best, and a lack of accident reporting standards makes it hard for passengers to compare the safety standards of the different cruise line operators. Currently there is no comprehensive database of cruise ship accidents, due to broadly differing interpretations of international rules by governments, cruise lines, and ship captains. A 1974 agreement on a part of the International Maritime Organization only requires that ships are "sufficiently and efficiently" staffed with no clear staffing requirements. The bottom line is that cruises may not be as safe as you think, and if you're injured on a cruise, you will need the help of an experienced cruise accident attorney.


Accident Reporting Rules Are Not Strictly Enforced

Cruise companies are only required to submit "pertinent findings" from investigations after accidents to the International Maritime Organization, and these submissions do not disclose identity or nationality of ships. Even as guidelines on investigation and reporting of casualties are amended, there is still plenty of latitude on the part of cruise companies when it comes to reporting. What this means for you is that there is a long history of cruise lines rarely being held accountable for accidents. If you are injured and need to file a somekeyword, be aware that you have an uphill battle. The right attorney can make the difference in whether you succeed.

Quality of Crew Emergency Training Is Questionable

Did you know that most of the 1,000-plus crew members of the ill-fated Costa Concordia that wrecked in January 2012 were there to run facilities like the casino, theater, bars, and swimming pools? Entertainment and hospitality staff do have training in emergency procedures, but the quality of that training is uneven. Some ships are very strict about emergency training for crew members, and others are not. If you are injured onboard a cruise ship, you cannot count on getting the highest standard of care. In many cases, it takes a somekeyword to force a cruise line to make things right after a passenger suffers an injury.

Terms and Conditions Heavily Favor Cruise Lines

The terms and conditions you agree to when you purchase cruise tickets are carefully written so that they heavily favor the cruise line. You only have one year after the date of the injury in which to pursue a claim against the cruise line, and if there is litigation it has to take place in a specific venue (usually in Broward or Dade County), regardless of where you live. It is not easy to prevail against a cruise line in court, but it can be done.

You Need an Experienced Cruise Attorney on Your Side

Trying to work directly with a cruise company after an injury is an exercise in frustration. When cruise lines respond at all, they drag the process out so that the one year statute of limitations is over before the passenger can file suit. If you think you have a case for a cruise line injury lawsuit, contact an experienced cruise injury attorney as soon as possible.

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