Cruise Ship Accidents

Dedicated Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers Aggressively Representing Families Suffering Through the Aftermath of a Traumatic Accident

Cruise ships are more or less floating resorts, with restaurants, entertainment venues, cabins, social spaces, and a host of other facilities – all on the water. Since cruise ships replicate life on the land, the same risks you face while at home also exist on the water. Moreover, the nature of sea travel raises a number of new risks and challenges. In sum, there are many ways someone may be injured on a cruise ship.

At the Neumann Law Group, we have assembled a skilled team of Michigan personal injury attorneys who focus their practice on cruise ship accidents. We command an impressive understanding of the substantive and procedural rules that govern these claims, which we use to leverage fair settlement offers in most cases. However, as experienced litigators, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial if the cruise line or their insurance company is unwilling to extend a fair settlement offer.

Common Cruise Ship Injuries

Cruise lines, through their staff and contractors, have a duty to ensure passenger safety. If there is a failure to operate within the bounds of this duty, serious injuries may occur. The most common accidents on a cruise ship include slip and fall accidents, falls from broken or loose handrails, trip and fall accidents, and other accidents caused by dangerous premises—all injuries that occur outside of the cruise ship context. Other injuries are more specific to the industry, such as food poisoning and illness on the ship, which could spread and affect many passengers.

Other injuries could be caused by other passengers or crewmembers and staff acting outside the scope of their employment. Injuries from violence and sexual assault on a cruise ship can hardly be considered “accidents.” Since a cruise line is responsible for passenger safety, it is unacceptable for negligent security to result in passenger injuries.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Handle Your Cruise Ship Accident Case?

Obtaining counsel when bringing suit against a cruise company is vital. Cruise lines typically include strong liability waiver language in all ticket purchases, which can greatly reduce the areas where a cruise line can be found liable. Moreover, cruise lines will generally be represented by insurance companies that will vigorously defend any claim against the insured. Often, this entails denying a claim or offering a low-ball settlement offer in hopes of resolving the case for as little money as possible and avoiding the expense of litigation.

Given the resources of cruise lines and their insurance companies, it is understandably difficult to go up against these companies. This is especially the case when your only information about what your claim is worth comes from the cruise line being sued. In order to get a better understanding of your legal rights and what a fair settlement may look like in your case, contact the experienced Michigan attorneys at Neumann Law Group for a free consultation.

Damages Available in Cases Involving Cruise Ship Accidents

If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a cruise ship accident, pursuing a premises liability claim against the cruise line may result in significant compensation. While every case is unique, most victims of cruise ship accidents qualify for the following damages:

Medical Expenses – This covers the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapy, and other medical treatments related to the accident. Compensation is also available for any future medical care needed as a result of the accident.

Lost Wages – If you missed work due to your injuries, you may be compensated for your lost earnings. This also includes any decrease in your ability to earn income in the future due to your long-term limitations or disability.

Pain and Suffering – Accident victims suffer tremendous pain, hopefully before fully recovering. Successful claimants may recover compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress they experienced as a result of the accident.

Loss of Enjoyment – This includes damages for your inability to enjoy daily activities or experiences due to sustained injuries, for example, if you can no longer participate in the activities you used to enjoy before the accident.

Wrongful Death – If the accident results in a fatality, grieving family members might be entitled to damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and projected future earnings.

Have You Suffered Serious Injuries in a Cruise Ship Accident?

Cruise ship accidents are undoubtedly traumatic, but if you were recently involved in an accident while on board a cruise ship, it is essential that you take a few minutes to understand your rights before deciding how to proceed. At the Neumann Law Group, we’re here to inform you of your rights and help you come to the right decision for you and your family. We offer free consultations to all accident victims in a no-pressure environment, allowing you to decide what’s in your best interest. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, give the Michigan personal injury lawyers at the Neumann Law Group a call at 800-525-6386. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.