When you book a cruise, you’re paying for a complete package that includes accommodations, food, entertainment, travel — and safety measures. But cruise ships aren’t always as safe as they look; in fact, hundreds of passengers have been seriously hurt or even assaulted on board, resulting in cruise ship accident litigation. But because cruise ships operate out of other countries and require passengers to sign long contracts, your legal options back on shore may be very limited. Worse, loopholes in international maritime law may allow passengers or employees who commit physical or sexual assault to escape prosecution. Sorting out which laws apply in your case can be a challenge in itself. If you were hurt on board a cruise ship, you need a lawyer with a strong knowledge of maritime law as well as state and federal laws in order to get the justice you deserve.
Any one of these accidents can result in serious injuries. The most commonly reported injuries include back injuries, head and brain damage, broken bones, lacerations, amputations, and drowning. After being hurt, passengers typically expect that their insurance will cover their medical expenses but this isn’t always the case, especially considering most cruises take vacationers outside of the country. This is why many victims turn to The Rousso Boumel Law Firm attorneys for help when the company they chose to sail with is liable.