Maritime Lawsuit Lawyer

Things for an Injured Cruise Passenger to Consider

• Liability: In order to make a successful claim, the passenger has to prove that the cruise line can be held legally responsible for the accident. To do this, he or she must show that the cruise line was negligent. This consists of two parts. First of all, the passenger must show that there was a danger or hazard aboard the ship, such as an unexpected step or slippery surface. Second, the passenger must prove that the cruise line knew that the danger or hazard existed, yet failed to correct it or sufficiently warn passengers of the risk. This is not an easy thing to prove. Photographs and/or videos of the crime scene, written descriptions of what occurred, and contact information for all witnesses are all important for a successful claim.


• Damages: This refers to the actual “cost” of the injury, both in financial and non-financial terms. It includes things like medical bills and lost wages, as well as other, less concrete things such as pain and suffering. The easiest way to show damages is by keeping good records – including receipts, out-of-pocket expenses, insurance claims, and medical bills. Another important thing is for the passenger to obtain a copy of his shipboard medical records before disembarking. Cruise lines will not voluntarily provide these records, but are legally obligated to provide them upon request.


• Time Limits: What many passengers do not know is that there are very strict time limits on compensation requests. Passengers must first send a letter to the cruise line, usually within six months, declaring their intent to seek compensation for injury. Furthermore, passengers must file suit for compensation within one year. A common tactic for cruise lines is to adopt a leisurely pace in communication, asking for more documentation or more time to process a claim, all the while waiting for the unsuspecting passenger’s time limit to expire. Once the year is up, the cruise line will notify the passenger that his claim is barred, and at this point there is very little to be done.



If you have been injured at sea, make sure you take appropriate action right away. Contact a maritime law attorney at Williams Kherkher to set up a free initial consultation.