Cruise ships can be fun and luxurious vacation experiences, but unfortunately, accidents happen. If you or a loved one was injured because of someone else’s negligence on a cruise ship, you have the right to take legal action. However, filing a claim for such an injury can be complicated since most claims must be filed in Miami, Florida, jurisdiction. The Miami cruise ship attorneys at Stabinski Law explain why you must file these claims in Miami and the steps required to do so.
Why Must Claims Be Filed in Miami?
The majority of cruise ships are registered outside of the United States – usually in countries like Panama or Liberia – which means that they are not subject to U.S. laws. Many claims must be filed in Miami because of the Passenger Services Act (PSA). The PSA requires foreign-registered vessels to employ a “designated agent” in the United States who acts as their contact and representative when dealing with legal matters involving passengers. For this reason, any claims that involve a foreign-registered cruise ship must be made through their designated agent in Miami, Florida.
How Do I File a Claim?
For your case to proceed, it is important that all paperwork is properly filled out and submitted before the applicable statute of limitation runs out – even if you are filing your claim against an international cruise line outside of U.S. jurisdiction. Be sure to take the following steps after suffering an injury:
- Report your situation: After suffering an accident, always take your complaint to ship authorities.
- Document a claim: Collect evidence, such as pictures, and file a claim to strengthen your case.
- Check the terms on your ticket: You may be eligible for a refund if you suffered from certain ailments.
- Speak with an attorney: Depending on your case, a lawyer may be able to help you seek damages.
You should contact an experienced maritime attorney who specializes in personal injury cases involving cruise ships as soon as possible after your accident or injury occurs so they can begin investigating your claim and gathering the evidence necessary for your lawsuit while it is still fresh and available. After obtaining legal representation, all necessary documents should be sent directly to the designated agent in Miami. Then, it will be up to them to process the claim and decide whether or not it merits compensation for damages incurred due to negligence on board the vessel.
Experienced Miami Cruise Ship Attorneys
If you are injured on board a cruise ship due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness, it is important that you understand where your claim needs to be filed and how those proceedings work - even if you are filing against an international vessel operating outside of U.S. jurisdiction - as this could impact how much compensation you receive for your injuries or property damage incurred during your travels aboard the vessel. It is also essential that you contact an experienced maritime attorney who specializes in personal injury cases involving cruise ships as soon as possible after your accident or injury occurs so they can begin investigating your case right away.
Established in 1970 and boasting a legal team with more than 115 years of combined experience, our law firm is among the most respected in the area. We always seek the maximum compensation our clients deserve, and our aggressive approach to injury claims has yielded more than $500 million in recoveries.
We offer committed legal service as you seek restitution for your cruise ship accident and proudly represent clients throughout South Florida. Call Stabinski Law at (305) 643-3100 or contact us online to speak with one of our cruise ship injury attorneys and get your free consultation today! Hablamos Español.