Injured On A Cruise: Where Do You File Your Lawsuit?
It’s all too easy to suffer serious injuries while on a cruise. These ships often struggle with staffing, and the inherent danger of life on sea can lead to many hazards. Whether it’s slipping on a wet surface or suffering an injury while participating in the ship’s activities, these stories are all too common. But what happens after you suffer these injuries? Who can you sue? More specifically, where can you file a lawsuit? Cruise ships sail across the world, and they sometimes venture into international waters. So in which jurisdiction can you file your lawsuit?
File Your Lawsuit in the Jurisdiction Where the Cruise Line is Incorporated
Generally speaking, you should file your lawsuit in the area that holds the cruise ship’s official corporate headquarters. In many cases, this jurisdiction is Florida. Sometimes, the names of cruise lines are a little confusing. For example, you might assume that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is incorporated in Norway, but its headquarters lies in Miami and it is incorporated in Bermuda. The same goes for many other cruise lines, including Carnival and others.
Cruise Injuries Are Common
People sue cruise lines all the time for injuries. On March 31st, it was reported that the family of an injured teen was suing Norwegian Cruise Line for a go-kart accident. The teen reportedly suffered “critical” injuries, including whiplash, potential TBI, neurological injuries, and injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and legs. One major hurdle is the waiver that the teen and the family signed before participating in the go-karting attraction. But their lawyer argues that these waivers are not legally enforceable – something that is often true. This isn’t the first time NCL has been sued for go-karting injuries. In 2019, a woman from California sued the cruise line for a go-kart crash.
On March 24th, it was reported that a former passenger was suing Carnival for an injury involving a sliding door. This shows that injuries on cruise lines can occur in many situations – and not just during dangerous activities such as go-karting or zip-lining. A cruise ship is just like a grocery store or a theme park. The owner of the vessel (the corporation) is responsible for the safety of guests and the elimination of hazards. If they fail to carry out this duty of care, they can be held liable.
Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Injury Attorney in Orlando?
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Orlando personal injury attorney, look no further than Payer Law. Over the years, we have assisted numerous injured plaintiffs as they pursue compensation for their injuries. We know that cruise ships present many hazards for innocent guests and travelers. If you have been injured while on a cruise ship, there’s no reason to simply sit back and accept your damages. Book a consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
Sources:
sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-bz-cruise-ship-go-cart-lawsuit-20230330-7kcpqj3urfgu5cgs3n2zrj4lqm-story.html
news.bloomberglaw.com/product-liability-and-toxics-law/norwegian-cruise-line-sued-over-go-kart-track-injuries
news.bloomberglaw.com/product-liability-and-toxics-law/norwegian-cruise-line-sued-over-go-kart-track-injuries
