Cruise ship accidents and crimes can and do happen. That’s why it’s important to protect your rights and consider filing a civil lawsuit if you’ve been the victim of a cruise ship injury. However, cruise ships are covered by complex contractual and maritime requirements, so it’s a good idea to seek experienced legal counsel before filing a cruise ship injury lawsuit.

Depending on the contract you enter into with the cruise company, you may be subject to a special short statute of limitations, have certain obligations to inform the cruise company of the extent of your injury with specific filings, and be restricted as to where you file your cruise ship injury lawsuit. Maritime law falls under admiralty law, but cruise ships also have a contractual, state law and common law component best left to an experienced cruise ship lawyer to figure out. Most cruise ship lawsuits are filed in Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; and Seattle, Washington.

If you were injured on a cruise ship, document expenses associated with the injury for use in future claims. You can sue for economic damages, such as insurance co-pays or deductibles, medical bills, costs of future medical care and medical devices. You can also sue for non-calculable damages for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and other situations.

If the injury occurs in a country other than the United States, matters may be complicated by international and country-specific laws. Your rights may change depending on the country you were in when injured. Consult with an attorney to find out what your rights and responsibilities are if you were injured in another country. A cruise ship lawyer can also help you determine where to file your lawsuit, saving precious time before the statute of limitations runs out.

It is hard to determine whether cruise ship accident cases are easier to litigate than other personal injury lawsuits. Depending on the circumstances, a cruise ship may be expected to have an even more rigorous standard of care than a property owner on land. Ultimately, though, it is up to the jury to determine whether the cruise ship was negligent – and up to your cruise ship lawyer to effectively handle the case.

If you were injured on a cruise ship, seek legal help immediately. Your cruise ship attorney can give you important advice on whether, where and how to file your claim – and could help you get the financial compensation you deserve for injuries sustained on a cruise ship.