A Family Member Was Injured on a Cruise Ship: Can I Sue?
Vacationing on a cruise ship should be relaxing and stress-free but when an accident occurs, it can result in life-changing injuries or even death. Recovering financial compensation for damages suffered in a cruise ship accident has the added complication of maritime law.
At Moody Law, our boating accident attorneys handle maritime cases and can help those who are injured in cruise ship accidents from Lakeland, FL, and Winter Haven, FL, get the compensation they deserve for their injuries and other damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured on a cruise ship, you may be wondering if you can sue. The attorneys of Moody Law can review the details of your claim to help you choose the best course of action. In the meantime, learn more about when a lawsuit may be filed for injuries in a cruise ship accident.
Who Can Sue for Damages in Cruise Ship Accidents?
When it comes to seeking damages through a personal injury lawsuit, the injured party may sue for the damages they sustained. Family members of the injured party can also potentially sue but for loss of consortium.
Consortium refers to companionship between spouses and sometimes parents and children. A loss of consortium claim may be filed when a non-injured spouse is deprived of the benefits of their relationship due to their spouse’s injuries. This may include companionship, physical intimacy, helping in caring for children and other family members, or help with running a household.
Family members may also sue in the event their loved one died a wrongful death in a cruise ship accident. Surviving immediate family members, including a spouse, children, parents, or dependent relatives may be eligible to sue for wrongful death.
Types of Damages Available
Those who have been injured in a cruise ship accident may be able to recover financial compensation for damages resulting from their injury. Damages may include:
- Medical expenses including future medical costs related to the injury
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings due to permanent disability
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Physical pain
For those who have lost a loved one in a cruise ship accident, damages for such things as emotional pain, loss of companionship, and loss of future income may be recovered through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Maritime Law Considerations
Because cruises often take place over international waters, a different set of laws, called maritime law, often take precedent when seeking damages for cruise ship accidents.
Things such as the departure and arrival ports of a cruise can affect which laws apply to a claim as well as international treaties, the cruise line, and cruise operator. Consulting a personal injury attorney with a thorough understanding of maritime law is important when seeking damages.
Contact the Attorneys of Moody Law
If you or a loved one has been injured in a cruise ship accident, it’s important to speak with an attorney who understands maritime law, as soon as possible. The Lakeland attorneys of Moody Law are available to discuss your case. Contact our law firm to learn more about your legal options.
