Navigating the aftermath of a Celebrity cruise accident can be a daunting experience.
Cruise vacations, especially with renowned companies like Celebrity Cruises, are often viewed as the epitome of luxury and relaxation. Yet, mishaps do occur, even aboard the finest vessels.
Securing skilled legal representation becomes crucial if you or a loved one has endured such an unfortunate event on a Celebrity Cruises vacation.
That’s because the laws that govern cruise ship accidents are very nuanced and complex. Attempting to pursue a claim independently or hiring a regular personal injury lawyer is not recommended.
At Johns Law Group, PLLC, our team has years of experience representing injured victims in maritime law cases, including incidents involving Celebrity Cruises.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries on a Celebrity Cruises ship, please get in touch with our office immediately.
What to Know About Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is renowned for its top-tier sailing experiences. Ships are elegant, featuring many state-of-the-art technological advances and modern design elements. However, even the best technology and safety features cannot stop every accident.
Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1988 and merged with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines in the late 1990s. Their headquarters are in Miami, Florida.
Despite ongoing refurbishments and a new line of ships, injuries happen regularly. You must know your rights and speak with an experienced Celebrity cruise ship passenger injury lawyer at Johns Law Group, PLLC.
Why Do I Need a Florida Maritime Lawyer to Represent Me in a Celebrity Cruise Accident?
Firstly, maritime law, or admiralty law, is a distinct field with complexities unique to injuries occurring on international waters. Ordinary state or land-based laws do not apply to these incidents. Without proper knowledge of maritime law, you may miss out on valuable rights afforded to you.
Furthermore, Celebrity Cruises has a robust risk management team adept at minimizing the compensation they offer injured passengers. Its main goal is to protect the company’s interests—not yours. To level the playing field, having a seasoned attorney ensures you have someone looking out for you.
Additionally, maritime law allows cruise lines specific legal maneuvers like shorter notice periods and strict lawsuit filing deadlines.
A Florida-based Celebrity cruise ship passenger injury lawyer, familiar with these intricacies and the Miami Federal Court’s proceedings—where Celebrity often mandates claims be filed—will guide you through the process, ensuring every requirement is met.
Common Types of Cruise Ship Passenger Accidents
Cruise ships offer many entertainment and activity options. However, these activities can present potential hazards to the passengers.
Many of the conveniences that make cruises enjoyable can sometimes become sources of accidents. Some of the most common accidents onboard include the following:
- Slip and fall incidents due to wet floors, misplaced luggage, flawed stairs, or unforeseen changes in elevation;
- Food poisoning resulting from improperly handled or prepared food;
- Swimming pool mishaps, ranging from slips on pool decks to injuries within the pool itself;
- Elevator and escalator accidents caused by poor maintenance or malfunctions;
- Recreational activity injuries can arise from rock climbing, sky rides, or water sports, especially if the equipment is defective;
- Exposure to Legionnaire’s disease, which is a bacteria-driven illness commonly spread in pools and hot tubs;
- Fires, which can result in burns, scars, and increased risks from other hazardous conditions on the ship;
- Drowning incidents in the pool or from falling overboard; and
- Physical and sexual assaults by crew members or other passengers.
If your type of accident isn’t on this list, it doesn’t mean you cannot bring a claim. Contact Johns Law Group, and let us review your case.
Common Types of Injuries Passengers Suffer on a Cruise Ship
Accidents can often lead to serious injuries, exacerbated by the limited medical facilities on many ships. Some of the frequent injuries suffered by passengers include:
- Neck, back, and shoulder injuries,
- Spinal injuries,
- Brain injuries,
- Broken or crushed bones,
- Internal organ injuries,
- Burns,
- Food poisoning, bacterial infections, or waterborne illnesses, and
- Emotional trauma.
Unfortunately, in the most tragic situations, a passenger might pass away from their injuries.
What Happens If a Loved One Died in a Cruise Ship Accident?
Death aboard cruise ships isn’t exceptionally rare. These unfortunate events can happen given that many cruisers are retirees, with some having underlying medical conditions and indulging in atypical activities.
While many deaths are natural, some result from avoidable circumstances. A Celebrity cruise death related to another party’s negligence could warrant a claim against the cruise line.
Wrongful death claims are even more complex due to governing laws. Most cruise ticket contracts stipulate you must file wrongful death claims against cruise lines in Miami, Florida. Despite this, the applicable law for each case is determined by the exact location of the incident in relation to the U.S. shores.
State law applies if the accident was within three nautical miles of the U.S. shoreline. For example, survivors and eligibility to claim compensation fall under Florida’s wrongful death laws if the accident was within three nautical miles of Florida.
If the accident was more than three nautical miles, the applicable law is The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). Under DOHSA, compensation revolves around tangible financial losses or projections.
Damages can include financial support or contribution that the deceased would have provided, the value of their services to beneficiaries, nurture to dependent children, loss of inheritance, funeral expenses, and pre-death pain and suffering under specific conditions. One significant difference is that DOHSA doesn’t allow survivors to recoup compensation for mental suffering.
Given these legal intricacies, we recommend hiring a skilled maritime lawyer to represent your family in a wrongful death matter.
Contact Johns Law Group, PLLC
If you or someone you love suffered injuries as a passenger in a Celebrity Cruises accident, please contact Johns Law Group, PLLC today. We have years of experience representing injured passengers in cruise ship accidents.
Don’t sacrifice your rights and potential compensation by hiring a personal injury lawyer unfamiliar with these cases. Please schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can help.