How Does Liability Work in a Cruise Ship Accident Claim?

Florida is the world’s cruise capital. Cruise ships are known for their capability to house thousands of passengers and numerous amenities, from restaurants and clubs to leisure centers. Unfortunately, cruise ships can also be hotspots for various risks, accidents, and illnesses that lead to severe injuries and even death. Although many cruise ship accidents result from conditions on board, others can also be caused directly by other passengers, crew members, or staff on the ship.

While you may have a right to pursue compensation, determining who to sue can be pretty complicated. That’s why partnering with an experienced cruise ship accident lawyer who understands the ins and outs of cruise ship accidents and laws is imperative. At Baker Legal Team, our experienced cruise ship accident and injury lawyers can use their expertise to put you on the right path after a cruise ship accident.

What Are the Common Causes of Cruise Ship Accidents?

Cruise ship accidents can happen anywhere on the ship, including in its amenities, such as the pool or gym. Some of the common causes of cruise ship accidents include:

• Faulty equipment and fittings, like broken or loose handrails
• Negligence in the ship’s medical facilities
• Inadequate safety equipment
• Improper ship maintenance
• Inadequately trained crew members
• Insufficient security
• Contaminated food
• Unsafe conditions, like slipping hazards
• Navigation errors
  

While there are different causes of cruise ship accidents, they can mostly all be traced back to acts of negligence, intentional wrongdoing, and overlooked safety measures. When cruise lines fail to protect their passengers, our compassionate cruise ship accident attorneys are committed to exposing these acts of negligence and wrongdoing to help you recover the best possible compensation.

Common Types of Cruise Ship Injury Claims

Most cruise ship accidents happen when the cruise ship’s line, staff, and crew fail to ensure the safety of their passengers and other crew members. With cruise ships holding thousands of people on board, a simple act of negligence can lead to devastating consequences. Some of the most common cruise ship injury claims caused by negligence include the following:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Falling overboard
• Dock accidents
• Fire accidents
• Sexual and physical assault 
• Sporting and onboard activity accidents
• Food-related illnesses
• Pool and waterslide accidents
• Onboard medical malpractice
• Shipboard illnesses

Unfortunately, the most common accidents that happen on a cruise ship are those that could occur anywhere. If you suffered an injury in a cruise ship accident caused by someone’s negligence, our experienced lawyers can help you hold them liable for these acts. 

How Is Liability Determined in a Cruise Ship Accident Claim?

Determining liability in a cruise ship accident is one of the most complex parts of the claim. This is because a person automatically accepts the cruise line’s contract when they board the ship. In most cases, there are clauses within these tickets that disclaim the cruise ship company’s liability and other unfavorable conditions. That’s why you’ll need a dedicated lawyer to help you prove negligence or to show that an individual willfully intended to cause harm.

Duty of Care

In Florida, cruise ship operators have a legal duty to make their premises safe and provide safe transportation to their passengers and crew members. Therefore, in most cases, the cruise line can be held liable for cruise ship accidents. The plaintiff will be required to prove that the cruise line owed them a duty of responsible care, breached their duty, and caused an accident that led to various damages.

Cruise lines are also responsible for their employees. Therefore, when you suffer damages from a cruise ship accident caused by the negligence or willful intent of a crew member, the cruise line may still be liable for the damages.

Multiple Parties May Be Liable

Additionally, various parties, from those affiliated with the cruise line to individual passengers, may also share liability. Depending on the circumstances that led to the accident, you may file a claim against the following parties:

• The company chartering the trip
• The company operating the cruise ship
• The company selling tickets
• Third parties, such as passengers

At Baker Legal Team, we are highly experienced in cruise ship liability and can help you sue cruise ship companies and other parties who share fault in a cruise ship accident. We can investigate all the facts in your claim, determine the liable parties, and help you hold them accountable.

Contact an Experienced Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer at Baker Legal Team Today

With so many potential ways to get injured on a cruise ship, negligence by another may ruin your vacation and leave you with devastating injuries or illnesses. Determining liability and holding the at-fault parties responsible can be riddled with many complexities and roadblocks that hinder success. Therefore, your best chance of receiving compensation is hiring an experienced cruise ship accident lawyer at Baker Legal Team.

At Baker Legal Team, our attorneys have extensive experience with cruise ship cases. We are more than willing to take the necessary steps and help you build a strong case against the responsible parties. Call us at (561) 320-0000 or schedule a free consultation today to speak with our experienced lawyers.