By: Scott Perry
In light of the recent news regarding the disabled Carnival Cruise
Lines ship, there are a few things that people should know regarding cruise lines and a person’s rights if injured onboard a ship.
If you are injured in a slip and fall, trip and fall, or because of some other negligence on while on a cruise ship you may have a right to recover damages. These rights are similar to those you have if injured on land; however, there are two big differences ?” where you may bring a lawsuit and when you must file the lawsuit.
Most cruise tickets have a “forum selection clause” printed on it. This allows the cruise line to “contract” with you, in advance, and “agree” that if any litigation arises out of the cruise, then the suit must be filed in a specific court in a specific location. For example, Carnival has designated the Southern District of Florida for all litigation.
Additionally, Congress has allowed cruise lines to limit the time frame for bringing a claim. A cruise line cannot limit the time for giving notice of a claim to less than six months from the date of the injury and cannot limit the time for filing a claim to less than one year from the date of the injury.
Especially, because of these time limitations if you are injured onboard a cruise, it is vital that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible so that you may have your rights protected.
If you or a loved one has been injured or died due to a cruise ship accident or boating accident, and would like to learn more about your legal rights, please call (561) 366-9099.
