If you were injured on a cruise ship, your first instinct may be to contact a local personal injury attorney, someone in your hometown who helped with a car accident or slip and fall accident.
But cruise ship injury cases are nothing like ordinary personal injury claims, and hiring a local attorney with no maritime experience could cost you your case.
Here’s why.
Cruise Ship Injuries Fall Under Maritime Law—Not State Law
Accidents on cruise ships, such as those operated by Carnival, Norwegian, or Royal Caribbean, are governed by federal maritime law—a complex and highly specialized legal area. Most local attorneys focus on state personal injury law and aren’t trained or experienced in maritime statutes, liability standards, or jurisdictional rules. Even a skilled trial attorney might not be equipped to handle the legal nuances that come with a cruise ship injury.
The Lawsuit Must Be Filed in a Specific Court—Not Your Local Courthouse
A critical detail buried in your cruise ticket contract is the forum selection clause. This provision requires all injury claims to be filed in Miami, Florida, typically in federal court. Regardless of where the cruise departed or where you live, your case must be brought to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Local attorneys who aren’t licensed to practice in this court or unfamiliar with its procedures may not be able to represent you at all. At best, they may try to refer your case out, but valuable time could be lost in the process.
Unique Rules, Short Deadlines, and Aggressive Defense Teams
Cruise lines don’t make it easy to sue them. Your claim must meet strict requirements:
- Written notice of the injury must usually be submitted within six months.
- The lawsuit must be filed within one year of the incident.
Maritime law also has different liability standards and damage limitations than what most local attorneys are used to. On top of that, cruise lines like Norwegian and Carnival employ large legal teams who specialize in defeating injury claims. Facing them without an experienced maritime lawyer puts you at a serious disadvantage.
We Represent Clients Nationwide – and Worldwide
At Waks and Barnett, P.A., also known as CruiseLawyers.com, we focus exclusively on cruise ship injury cases. Located in Miami, Florida—where your lawsuit needs to be filed—we represent injured passengers from all 50 states and internationally. You don’t need to live in Florida to work with us, and you don’t need to figure out how to sue a major cruise line on your own.
We know the cruise industry, we know maritime law, and we know how to build strong cases that hold cruise lines accountable.
Don’t Risk Your Case—Work With a Cruise Lawyer
Injured on a cruise ship? 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.