Passengers expect their vacations to be all sun and fun, but injuries can happen aboard a cruise ship. Broken bones, slip and falls, drownings, and the spread of a virus are just a few of the calamities that can affect travelers aboard a vacation vessel.

When considering compensation for damages sustained on a cruise, one thing to keep in mind is the obligation a ship carrying paying passengers owes. Cruise ships are considered to be common carriers, which are classified as vehicles that carry passengers and goods to particular destinations for a fee and have a special duty to avoid causing harm.

If you have been injured because the cruise ship’s staff failed to maintain their standard of care while you were on the boat, a Memphis cruise ship injury lawyer can help you determine if you are entitled to recovery for your damages. Elissa M. Coombs is a dedicated maritime injury attorney at the Law Offices of David E. Gordon who can represent you against a negligent cruise line.

Maritime Law Applied in Cruise Ship Lawsuits

Because of the international destinations they travel to, lawsuits against cruise lines are heard in admiralty courts under maritime law. In the United States, an admiralty case will likely take place in a federal district court. Additionally, cruise lines usually append contracts outlining additional rules of their own on their tickets.

Your ticket for the cruise is considered a contract, and it usually limits where you and file a legal claim against the cruise line. In addition, while the standard statute of limitations under maritime law allows up to three years for a plaintiff to file an injury lawsuit, cruise line contracts may reduce this time to one year. If an individual is considering legal action against a cruise line company, they can benefit from the legal and procedural familiarity a Memphis cruise ship injury attorney possesses.

The Death on the High Seas Act

The Death on the High Seas Act (DHSA), applies to wrongful death claims for injuries taking place more than three nautical miles off the shores of the United States. If a death resulted from wrongdoing or negligence occurring on the high seas, an action under admiralty law can ensue with a representative acting on behalf of the deceased. Potential beneficiaries of the claim include spouses, parents, children, and dependent relatives of the deceased.

While an injury that involves negligence on the part of a plaintiff may sometimes serve as a defense prohibiting damages, the plaintiff’s negligence does not constitute a complete defense under the Death on the High Seas Act. As in many legal jurisdictions, liability in these cases is divided proportionately among negligent parties, which sometimes include the plaintiff. A loved one of someone who died from such an injury at sea can learn more about whether other parties possess liability for damages by scheduling a consultation with a local cruise ship injury representative.

Pursue Any Damages You Are Owed with a Memphis Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer

Avoid delaying for too long if you suspect a vacation vessel may be liable for any losses they caused you. Speak with a Memphis cruise ship injury lawyer about recovering damages. If your cruise failed to deliver what you paid for, the attorneys at the Law Office of David E. Gordon can help you hold the cruise company accountable.

The Law Offices of David E. Gordon

The Law Offices of David E. Gordon
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