Suffering an injury on a Carnival cruise can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare.
With Carnival Cruise Line being one of the most popular cruise operators in the world, passengers often anticipate an unforgettable experience. However, Carnival cruise line accidents and injuries can still happen, even on the newest ships in the fleet.
If you or a family member suffered injuries on a Carnival cruise, it’s imperative to seek specialized legal representation due to the unique nature of maritime law.
At Johns Law Group, PLLC, our legal team has extensive experience representing victims of maritime injuries, including those involving a Carnival Cruise Line vessel.
What to Know About Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is synonymous with fun-filled and memorable voyages. Its ships, often called “Fun Ships,” are equipped with many entertainment options and advanced safety measures.
While Carnival takes steps to ensure passenger safety, accidents do occur. In such cases, understanding your rights and seeking advice from a skilled Carnival cruise injury lawyer at Johns Law Group, PLLC, is highly recommended.
Why Do I Need a Florida Maritime Lawyer for a Carnival Cruise Accident?
Navigating maritime or admiralty law requires specific knowledge. This distinct area of law has various nuances that affect Carnival Cruise Line accidents that occur in international waters. These accident claims typically do not fall under regular state or land-based laws.
Additionally, maritime law has unique stipulations, such as shorter notice periods and filing deadlines.
Choose a Florida-based Carnival Cruise Line injury lawyer familiar with the specifics of Miami Federal Court proceedings. That’s because this is where most Carnival claims need to be filed.
It might not matter that you embarked on a cruise in California and traveled to Mexico on your holiday.
Common Types of Carnival Cruise Lines Accidents
Though Carnival ships offer a vast range of fun and exciting activities, these same amenities can sometimes pose risks. Some of the most common causes of a Carnival cruise ship accident include the following:
- Slip and fall incidents caused by wet surfaces, cluttered walkways, or uneven deck sections;
- Food-related illnesses from improperly stored or cooked meals;
- Pool-related accidents due to slippery decks or mishaps in the pool itself;
- Shore excursion accidents;
- Medical negligence from the onboard medical team;
- Elevator and escalator malfunctions leading to injuries;
- Recreational activity mishaps during activities like water slides or aerial adventures, especially if the equipment is not in optimal condition;
- Legionnaires’ disease spread through pool and hot tub systems;
- Fires leading to burns and other related injuries;
- Drowning incidents, either within the ship’s pools or overboard falls; and
- Physical or sexual assaults from crew or fellow passengers.
If your injury doesn’t align with the examples mentioned above, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a valid injury case. Contact an experienced attorney to review your claim today.
Common Types of Injuries Passengers Encounter on a Cruise Ship
With the limited scope of medical facilities on ships, seemingly minor injuries can quickly escalate. Frequent injuries include:
- Neck, back, and shoulder trauma;
- Brain injuries;
- Spinal injuries;
- Internal injuries;
- Fractured or crushed bones;
- Burns;
- Gastrointestinal illnesses or infections; and
- Emotional distress.
Tragically, some incidents can even result in the loss of life. In these situations, certain surviving family members might have the legal right to pursue a separate claim against Carnival Cruise Line.
What If a Passenger Dies on a Carnival Cruise Ship?
While it’s a somber topic, deaths on cruise ships can happen. Some deaths are natural, but many others are the result of negligence. If negligence is suspected, family members can look at pursuing a wrongful death claim against the cruise line.
Navigating a wrongful death claim is even more complex. Depending on the accident’s proximity to U.S. shores, different laws might apply.
For incidents within three nautical miles of the U.S., state law is applicable. Beyond that, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) becomes relevant, focusing mainly on tangible financial losses. Notably, DOHSA does not provide compensation for emotional distress.
Contact Johns Law Group, PLLC
If you or someone you love sustained injuries on a Carnival cruise ship, attorney Jeremiah Johns at Johns Law Group, PLLC, can help. He has years of experience representing victims in Carnival cruise line accidents.
Our legal team understands the complexities of maritime laws that govern some cruise ship accidents. Do not risk your rights and potential compensation by hiring a Florida personal injury lawyer who lacks experience with cruise ship accidents.
Please contact our office and schedule a consultation today to learn more about filing a claim against Carnival Cruise Line.