Cape Coral Cruise Ship Accident Attorneys

Cape Coral Lawyers Helping People Hurt in Cruise Ship Accidents

Thousands of people embark on cruises from Florida shores each year with the expectation that they will enjoy a carefree vacation. Unfortunately, though, accidents on cruise ships are common, and they frequently cause significant injuries. While some mishaps cannot be avoided, much of the harm sustained on cruise ships is caused by the carelessness of the ship’s staff, and people hurt in cruise ship accidents are often owed damages. If you were hurt while on a cruise, it is smart to contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your rights. The knowledgeable Cape Coral personal injury lawyers of Lusk, Drasites & Tolisano, P.A. are well-versed in what it takes to prove the liability of cruise lines, and we can assess the situation your harm arose out of and advise you of what claims you may be able to pursue. We regularly represent people hurt in cruise accidents in lawsuits in Cape Coral and in Fort Myers and Naples.

Examples of Accidents on Cruise Ships

People on cruises can encounter a variety of dangerous conditions that lead to accidents. For example, spilled liquid and debris on walking surfaces on cruise ships can cause a passenger to slip and fall. Similarly, uneven floors or ramps and unguarded areas between two parts of the ship can create hazards that cause people to trip and fall. In some cases, a person may suffer harm while on an excursion. For example, they may fall when getting on or off a boat taking them to another destination or may suffer harm while using a jet ski. In some instances, a passenger will sustain injuries in an assault by another passenger that has become unruly.

Recovering Damages for Accidents on Cruise Ships

People hurt in accidents on cruise ships may want to seek compensation for their harm from the cruise line. While they have the right to do so, proving the liability of a cruise ship may be challenging. First, it is important to note that cruise ship tickets are typically considered contracts that set forth the terms of any dispute that may arise between the passenger and the cruise line. For example, it may dictate that any lawsuit must be filed in Florida and may require the passenger to notify the cruise line of any injuries suffered within a certain amount of time, typically six months. It may also require an injured party to file a lawsuit within one year of the date of harm.

A plaintiff that files a lawsuit against a cruise line will typically allege that their injuries were caused by negligence. To establish the negligence of the defendant, the plaintiff must prove the defendant had a duty to protect them from a certain hazard, the defendant breached that duty, the defendant’s breach proximately and actually caused the plaintiff’s injury, and the plaintiff suffered measurable harm. The duty a cruise line owes its passengers is the obligation to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. As such, in order to impose liability in a lawsuit arising out of a cruise ship accident, a plaintiff must show that the defendant had constructive or actual notice of the condition that created the risk that caused the plaintiff’s harm. A plaintiff that proves a defendant’s liability may be awarded compensation for the cost of medical care and other expenses as well as damages for pain and suffering.

Speak to an Experienced Florida Lawyer

People often go on cruises to relax and escape the rigors of daily life, and accidents on cruise ships may not only ruin their vacations they may also impact their health and well-being once the cruise is over. If you suffered harm on a cruise, you might be entitled to damages, and it is in your best interest to speak to an attorney about your potential case. At Lusk, Drasites & Tolisano, P.A., our experienced Cape Coral lawyers possess the skills and resources needed to recover damages in personal injury matters, and if you hire us, we will help you fight for a just outcome. We frequently represent people in personal injury matters from our Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Naples offices. 

You can reach us via our online form or by calling us at (239) 908-4930 to set up a confidential and free meeting.