While timelines can vary, there are several important factors that influence the length of a cruise injury case. Importantly, most serious cruise injury claims can take 6 months and up to 2 years to reach a conclusion.
One major factor is the severity of your injury. Cases involving minor injuries tend to settle faster because the damages are easier to evaluate and there’s often less back-and-forth.
On the other hand, serious injuries can take longer, since your attorney will need to gather medical records, consult with experts, and understand the full impact of the injury—both now and in the future.
Liability also plays a big role in how long the case may take. If the cruise line readily accepts responsibility, things tend to move quickly. But if they argue that you were at fault, or that the area was properly maintained and warned of, the case may slow down significantly as both sides gather evidence like surveillance footage, witness statements, and inspection records.
Cruise lines also tend to have strict procedures outlined in their passenger ticket contracts. These often require you to provide notice of your injury within a specific period (sometimes as short as six months) and to file any lawsuit in a particular court, usually in Miami – like Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. These requirements can add logistical delays and require strategic planning on your lawyer’s part.
Settlement negotiations themselves can be unpredictable. Some cruise lines are motivated to resolve claims quickly, while others may delay or make lowball offers in the hope that you’ll settle for less. If a fair agreement can’t be reached, your attorney may advise filing a lawsuit, which can significantly extend the timeline, often taking one to two years or more, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the litigation.
Lastly, when a cruise line’s insurance company is involved, their internal review process and bureaucracy can slow things down as well. Insurers often take time to evaluate claims, review records, and authorize settlement offers.
In general, if your case is relatively straightforward and the cruise line is cooperative, you might reach a settlement within six to twelve months. But if the case involves serious injuries, disputed liability, or litigation, it’s not uncommon for the process to take a year or two—or even longer. Your attorney will have the best sense of your timeline based on the unique details of your situation.
Contact a Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer
Do you have questions about a cruise ship accident or injury claim? The best approach is to spend a few minutes with an experienced cruise ship injury lawyer who can answer your questions and provide a clear understanding of what your legal rights are as an injured passenger.
For more information from our attorneys, please call us today. There is no obligation with the call – and – the call with our attorneys is free. Call today at 1-305-271-8282.
Our cruise ship accident lawyers have been helping injured passengers and crew members for more than 35 years. We help you understand your rights and will assist you in filing an injury claim against the cruise line. If you believe negligence played a role in your injury – or just have questions about the your accident – please contact our office today.
Call 1-305-271-8282. Serving clients in Florida and across the country.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be evaluated by an experienced cruise ship accident or maritime injury attorney.