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A cruise ship accident lawyer can help

Vacations are supposed to be all about fun. But travelers far from home and their support systems are vulnerable, and accidents – even deaths – can occur. This is no less true aboard the floating hotels known as cruise ships as anywhere else that people congregate.

An estimated 12 million people take cruises each year, and almost half embark in America. These millions include many of retirement age who have higher health risks. (For cruises lasting longer than one week, the average age of passengers is 64.)

Since 1999 the Medical Examiner’s Office in Broward County, Fla., has reported almost 100 deaths on cruise ships from its ports. Over a bit longer period, the County Coroner’s Office in Los Angeles reported 22 cruise ship deaths. Three ports in Florida, one in California and the Port of Galveston in Texas are the nation’s top five points of entry for cruise-ship passengers.

Cruise ship deaths have many causes

Most cruise-ship deaths involve natural causes, such as stroke, cancer, gastrointestinal flu or heart attack, the leading cause of death at sea. But even when a death is by natural causes, a cruise line may be responsible for failing to provide adequate infirmaries and care.

Deaths which don’t involve natural causes can include pool accidents, pool drowning and allergic reactions to food such as shellfish. Some victims have slipped and fallen on board, perhaps due to rough seas and negligence by the captain. Others have fallen overboard and drowned. Others have died from fires or collisions, while some have been murdered by crew members or other passengers.

People also can die from a variety of causes when ships disembark at ports. Though temporarily on land, they are still considered cruise ship passengers.

Consult a cruise ship lawyer

If a loved one has died while on a cruise, you may have a legal right to compensation for wrongful death, and you should consult a cruise ship lawyer immediately. Contact a cruise ship attorney at Jim S. Adler & Associates for experienced and knowledgeable legal assistance.

Most cruise ships serving America are registered under the flags of Panama, the Bahamas or Liberia. They pay no U.S. corporate taxes and may not be within reach of U.S. courts. Also, doctors and nurses on board are often independent contractors, not employees, and the cruise line may not be liable if their failure causes death. However, U.S. law may apply when a cruise contract is entered in the U.S., its voyage begins in the U.S. and a U.S. citizen is involved.

Cruise ship location is vital

The location of a cruise death is vital to your case. If it occurs within the three-mile territorial limit of the U.S. coast – say, off the Texas coast – then that state’s wrongful-death laws apply to that case. If it occurs beyond the three-mile limit and on open seas, then general maritime laws apply, notably the Death on the High Seas Act first written in 1920. If someone dies at a later time from injuries suffered at sea, that law tends not to apply.

Also keep in mind that most cruise-ship tickets ensure you are limited to one year in the statute of limitations for seeking to recover damages. Save and carefully read tickets for more information and be prepared to take quick legal action.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm on a cruise ship, contact a cruise ship accident lawyer with Jim S. Adler & Associates. The law firm offers a free case review. Fill out the free case evaluation form on our website today.

DISCLAIMER: The law firm of Jim S. Adler & Associates, found at 3D/International Tower, 1900 West Loop South, 20th Floor, Houston, Texas 77027, is licensed to practice in Texas. Nonetheless, the law firm also works with outside counsel and local lawyers to litigate claims in other states as needed, including the states of:

Jim S. Adler & Associates also has offices at City Place Building, 2711 North Haskell Ave., Suite 2100 LB40, Dallas, Texas 75204-2887; Bank of America, 12605 East Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77015-5619 (serving Channelview, Texas); and San Pedro Plaza, 7330 San Pedro Ave., Suite 700, San Antonio, Texas 78216-6237.

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Cruise ship accident brings accusations

On April 16, 2007 the Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) ship Norwegian Dawn made national news as it was forced to take harbor in South Carolina. During a storm through which it was traveling, a “freak wave” seven stories high hit the ship, causing extensive damage. Nobody was killed, but four people were injured as the wave crashed through several windows.