A vacation on a cruise ship should be about fun and relaxation. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes a passenger can be injured on a cruise ship resulting from the negligence of another party associated with the cruise ship. Incidents that can happen on a cruise ship can include: slip and fall, food poisoning, assault, sexual assault, injury caused by unsafe equipment, and more. When most passengers board a cruise ship, they do not think about such incidents because they are thinking more about the fun they will have. Although cruise ship incidents resulting in injury are not a common occurrence, they do happen, so it is important for passengers to know their rights and about the law that applies on cruise ships.
Laws and Cruise Ships
here are laws that protect cruise ship passengers. For instance, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act was enacted to make it safer for passengers staying in their cabins. For example, ships must install peep holes and security latches on the cabin doors. There are also laws that help protect a cruise ship passenger that has been sexually assaulted or raped. Cruise ships are now required to report sexual assault and rapes to the FBI. As well, if a rape occurs, the victim is entitled to a sexual assault forensic examination and medications to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. An attorney specializing in the laws governing cruise ships understands all of the applicable laws and can protect the rights of a passenger injured aboard ship.
Maritime Laws
A cruise ship attorney knows that most cruise ships are not registered in the U.S., and that once they leaves a U.S. port, the laws of the ship’s “flag” apply. This means they carry the flag of the country they are registered in and follow the laws of that country. Maritime law is a mixed bag of international treaties, statutes and laws of the various maritime nations, and the general maritime law of the United States. Knowing how this mixture of international and maritime law applies to an injury on a cruise ship anywhere in the world, and what law is available to protect the passenger, is what makes a cruise ship attorney indispensible.
When a cruise ship passenger suffers an illness, injury, or even a death, the passenger or their loved ones will be told that the cruise ship can not be held responsible under the laws of their state; not even under the law of the state where the cruise originated, or the state where the cruise line has its offices. Maritime law governs injuries on a cruise ship, and under maritime law, cruise lines are allowed to choose the place where they can be sued (most specify California or Florida) and limit .the time you have to file suit (usually to one year). This is why it is essential to consult with a cruise ship injury lawyer who knows the laws and is better able to protect its client’s rights and fight on their behalf to secure the appropriate compensation. Compensation can be for such things as pain and suffering, medical treatment, hospitalization, ongoing medical care, therapy, rehabilitation, and other needs caused by failing to protect the cruise ship passenger’s safety.
Cruise ships are about having fun and getting some much needed relaxation. In most cases, this is what happens when you take a vacation on a cruise. However, sometimes an event can happen that causes an injury, illness, or even a death. It is essential for passengers to be aware of their rights so that if something happens they know what steps to take. Hiring an attorney that specializes in cruise ship injury law is a key step to ensuring your rights are protected and you receive just compensation.
