Clearwater Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer
Millions of people embark on cruise ships every year in Florida. For many people, taking a cruise around the Caribbean is a dream come true. But for some passengers, that dream quickly becomes a nightmare when they are seriously injured in a shipboard accident.
When you are injured on someone else’s property on land, the owner can be held responsible under Florida premises liability laws. But the rules governing cruise ships at sea are quite different. That is why it is important to work with an experienced Clearwater cruise ship accident lawyer who specializes in maritime law. Attorney Frank D. Butler and his team had represented many cruise ship accident victims seeking to recover compensation for their injuries. They can review your case and advise you of your options for taking legal action.
What Are the Common Causes of Cruise Ship Lawsuits?
Cruise ships are not held to what the law calls a “strict liability” standard when it comes to passenger injuries. This means that the cruise line is not responsible for every accident that may occur on board. But the operator can be held liable if their negligence–or the negligence of one of their employees–caused an accident that injured a passenger.
Some common examples of how cruise ship negligence can lead to an accident include:
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Slip and fall accidents. Cruise ships are more dangerous than you might realize, especially when it comes to slip and fall accidents. Improper maintenance practices, such as failing to clean a wet floor or improper placement of furniture on the ship’s deck, can lead to a serious trip and fall injury.
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Contaminated food. Food is often the highlight of any cruise. But if the ship’s kitchen staff fails to follow proper hygiene and food safety practices, guests may easily become ill due to food poisoning or norovirus infection.
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Medical malpractice. Cruise ships often have very limited medical facilities to deal with on-board emergencies. It is quite common for passengers to be harmed by shipboard acts of medical malpractice and negligence due to an improper diagnosis or treatment.
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Excursion accidents. Cruise lines often sponsor shore-based excursions and activities at their ports of call. Both the cruise line and the local activity operator may be liable if a passenger is injured during one of these excursions.
Contact Attorney Frank D. Butler Today
In Florida, an accident victim typically has four years from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit. But in cruise ship accident cases it is often just one year. This is because most cruise lines that operate in Florida include language in the passenger tickets that specify a one-year limit. The courts have held the passenger’s ticket is an enforceable legal contract that can not only reduce the time that a passenger has to file a lawsuit, but where they must do so.
This is just one of many specialized legal questions that a Clearwater cruise ship accident lawyer can advise you on. So if you have been harmed while taking a cruise and need to speak with someone about your options for seeking legal compensation, contact the offices of Frank D. Butler, P.A., today at 888-BOAT-LAW to schedule an initial consultation.
