Cruise ships, often referred to as floating cities, house hundreds of passengers and crew members. Due to their complexity and size, they are prone to the same hazards that occur in any major city on land. Unfortunately, accidents and crimes on cruise ships are not uncommon, and victims need experienced legal representation to seek justice.
In a recent three-year period, approximately 200 injuries were reported aboard cruise vessels in Texas, including slip and fall accidents, toxic substance exposure, negligence, and sexual assault. In 2016 alone, 70% of the reported crimes on cruise ships were related to sexual assault. If you’ve suffered from an injury or crime aboard a cruise, the Houston cruise ship accident lawyers at Kolodny Law Firm are here to help you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
Protecting the Rights of Houston Cruise Ship Passengers and Employees
As a passenger or employee aboard a cruise ship, you have legal rights to a safe environment, medical care, and protection from negligence. At Kolodny Law Firm, our Houston cruise ship accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights and holding cruise lines accountable for their actions. We’ve helped countless clients who thought they had no recourse for the injuries and harm they’ve suffered. Our goal is to make sure you get the treatment, therapy, and compensation you need to recover and move forward.
With years of experience in maritime and cruise ship accident cases, our team has the knowledge and skill to hold large cruise lines accountable for their negligence. We fight to ensure that victims of accidents and crimes aboard cruise ships in Houston receive the justice they deserve.
What to Do After a Cruise Ship Accident
If you’ve been injured or involved in an accident aboard a cruise ship in Houston, taking the right steps is crucial to protecting your health and legal rights. Here are some key actions to take immediately after a cruise ship accident:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional. Cruise ship medical facilities may have limited resources, so consider seeking additional treatment once you return to shore.
- Report the Incident: Notify the cruise ship staff about the accident and file a formal report. Keep a copy for your records.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any contributing factors. Gather witness statements and make note of the names and contact information of anyone involved.
- Preserve Evidence: If possible, collect any relevant documents such as medical records, cruise ship staff reports, and correspondence related to your injury.
- Contact a Houston Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer: Consult with a skilled cruise ship accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you understand your rights, investigate the cause of the accident, and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Taking these steps ensures that you are well-prepared to pursue the compensation and justice you deserve. The Houston cruise ship accident lawyers at Kolodny Law Firm are here to help you every step of the way.
Call (713) 532-4474 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Types of Cruise Ship Accidents
Cruise ships are large, complex vessels, and accidents can happen in many different ways. As a passenger or crew member, you may face a variety of injuries depending on the situation. Some of the most common types of cruise ship accidents include:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Wet decks, poorly maintained walkways, and lack of warning signs can lead to slip and fall accidents. These can happen anywhere on the ship, from the pool area to the dining rooms, posing a significant risk to passengers and crew.
- Medical Malpractice: While cruise ships provide onboard medical services, injuries or illnesses may not always be properly treated. Medical malpractice can occur due to negligent care, delayed treatment, or misdiagnosis.
- Cruise Ship Collisions: Although rare, cruise ships can sometimes collide with other vessels or objects, causing serious damage and injuries to those on board. This can happen due to operator error, poor visibility, or mechanical failure.
- Sexual Assault or Harassment: Unfortunately, incidents of sexual assault or harassment can occur aboard cruise ships. Cruise lines have a responsibility to ensure the safety of passengers, and if they fail to do so, they may be held liable for these acts of violence.
- Passenger Overboard Incidents: In extreme cases, passengers may fall overboard due to negligence or intentional actions. Cruise lines are obligated to maintain strict safety measures to prevent such accidents.
- Toxic Exposure: Exposure to harmful substances, like toxic fumes or contaminated food, can also lead to serious injury or illness. Cruise ships are responsible for maintaining a safe environment, and failure to meet health and safety standards can lead to legal action.
If you have been injured in any of these types of accidents or another incident aboard a cruise ship, it’s essential to seek legal advice right away. Our Houston cruise ship accident lawyers at Kolodny Law Firm are here to help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Click to contact our cruise ship accident attorneys
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Cruise Ship Accident?
The time you have to file a claim after a cruise ship accident is governed by something known as the statute of limitations. For cruise ship accidents, the time limit typically depends on several factors, including where the cruise line is registered and the nature of the accident.
In most cases, passengers injured on a cruise ship have one year from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, this time limit can vary, especially if the cruise line’s terms and conditions stipulate a shorter window for filing claims. It’s crucial to act quickly because, after the statute of limitations expires, you may lose the right to pursue legal action.
Additionally, certain claims, such as for maritime negligence or injury, may involve complex legal procedures, including the application of admiralty law. This makes it even more important to consult with a knowledgeable Houston cruise ship accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Kolodny Law Firm today to discuss your case and ensure that your rights are protected.
Where Do I File a Lawsuit Against a Cruise Ship?
When it comes to filing a lawsuit against a cruise ship, the venue or location where you can file the case is often dictated by the cruise line’s terms and conditions, which passengers agree to when booking their trip. Many cruise lines include a forum selection clause in their contracts, which dictates where legal claims must be filed. Here are some common options:
- The Cruise Line’s Home Port: Many cruise lines specify that any lawsuits must be filed in the home port where the cruise ship is registered or where the company is based. This can sometimes be a port in another state or even another country.
- Federal Court: In cases involving maritime law, claims may need to be filed in federal court, especially if the cruise ship is registered in another country. Admiralty law, which governs accidents at sea, often requires that cases be handled by federal courts.
- Local Courts: Some cruise lines may permit lawsuits to be filed in the local courts of the passenger’s home state, particularly if the injury occurred while the ship was docked at a U.S. port.
Navigating where to file a lawsuit can be complex, as cruise lines often have strict rules about where legal actions can take place. Our experienced Houston cruise ship accident lawyers can help you understand the best legal strategy for your situation, ensuring that your case is filed in the appropriate court.
Sexual Assault on Cruise Ships: Holding Cruise Lines Accountable
Cruise lines are often motivated to minimize the impact of crimes, such as sexual assault, to protect their public image and profits. Unfortunately, this can result in the mishandling or even cover-up of serious incidents. Some cruise lines hire investigators who work in the company’s best interest, which can make it even more difficult for victims to receive fair treatment and justice.
According to The Washington Post, allegations of sexual assault on Carnival cruise lines increased from 60 reported incidents in 2018 to 79 in 2019. When cruise lines fail to take appropriate steps to ensure safety, or hire employees with a known history of misconduct, they must be held legally accountable. Our Houston cruise ship accident lawyers have extensive experience fighting large cruise companies and can help victims of sexual assault pursue justice.
FAQs
What Are My Rights as a Cruise Ship Passenger or Employee After an Accident?
Passengers and employees on cruise ships have the right to a safe environment, appropriate medical care, and protection from negligence. If an accident occurs due to the cruise line’s failure to provide these safeguards, victims have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. This includes claims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Understanding these rights and seeking legal representation early can be crucial to a successful case.
How Is Liability Determined in a Cruise Ship Accident?
Liability in cruise ship accident cases can be complex and often depends on whether the cruise line, a crew member, or a third party was responsible for the accident. To determine liability, factors like poor maintenance, inadequate security, improper training, or lack of safety measures are assessed. Our experienced Houston cruise ship accident lawyers can help investigate the incident, gather evidence, and establish who is at fault to hold them accountable.
Can I Still File a Claim If I Signed a Waiver Before Boarding the Cruise Ship?
Many cruise lines include waivers in their booking agreements, attempting to limit their liability for certain injuries. However, these waivers are not always enforceable, especially if the cruise line acted negligently or failed to uphold safety standards. An attorney can review the terms of the waiver and the circumstances of your case to determine if you still have a valid claim.
Speak to a Top-Rated Houston Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been involved in an accident or suffered a crime aboard a cruise ship in Houston, don’t wait. Contact Kolodny Law Firm today to speak with an experienced cruise ship injury lawyer who will fight for your rights and work to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.