Filing a personal injury claim against major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean Cruise, Celebrity Cruise, Carnival Cruise, or Norwegian Cruise Lines typically involves proving that the cruise line’s negligence caused your injury while on board.
Because these companies operate under maritime law, the process is governed by strict rules outlined in the passenger ticket contract—including short deadlines for giving notice (often within six months) and filing a lawsuit (commonly within one year), as well as specific court locations where cases must be brought- generally Federal Court in the Southern District of Florida (Miami).
To prosecute your claim, we gather evidence such as medical records, photographs, witness statements, and any reports made to ship personnel. Cruise lines often defend these cases vigorously, so many passengers consult an attorney experienced in maritime and cruise-ship injury cases to assess their rights and navigate the complex legal requirements.
Personal Injury Claims After a Royal Caribbean Cruise Accident
If you’re injured aboard a Royal Caribbean ship—whether from a slip and fall, medical negligence, unsafe excursions, or crew negligence—your rights are governed by maritime law and the passenger ticket contract. These cases move differently than typical land-based personal injury claims.
1. Short Deadlines
- Royal Caribbean requires passengers to follow strict time limits:
- Written notice of your claim within 6 months of the accident.
- Lawsuit filed within 1 year of the incident.
- Missing these deadlines can bar your claim entirely.
2. Mandatory Venue (Where You Must File)
Royal Caribbean’s ticket contract designates Miami federal court as the exclusive location for filing most injury lawsuits. Even if you live elsewhere—or the ship sailed elsewhere—you’ll likely have to bring your case in South Florida.
3. What You Must Prove
Most claims require showing that:
- The cruise line knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, and
- Failed to warn or correct it.
Examples include wet decks, defective stairs, negligent security, or inadequate medical care. Evidence is crucial because ships control many of the witnesses, cameras, and reports.
4. Immediate Steps After the Accident
To protect your claim:
- Report the incident to ship personnel.
- Request a copy of the incident report before disembarking if possible.
- Photograph hazards, injuries, and surrounding conditions.
- Gather names of witnesses.
- Seek medical treatment as soon as you return home.
5. Common Types of Cruise Injury Claims
- Slip/trip and fall accidents
- Falls during rough seas
- Unsafe shore excursions
- Pool, spa, or deck injuries
- Food poisoning or norovirus outbreaks
- Onboard medical negligence
6. Why These Cases Are Complex
Cruise injury claims involve maritime law, foreign-flagged vessels, international waters, and contractual limitations—all of which make it important to work with an attorney experienced in cruise-ship litigation.
Waks and Barnett is a law firm that specializes in cruise ship injury claims.
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.