Imagine you enjoyed a show on the first night of your cruise of a lifetime and you slip and fall while exiting the theater. Here are three reasons you may need a maritime lawyer San Diego when you get back home.
Because Accidents Happen at the Most Inconvenient Times
“Slip” sounds minor, but the truth is slips and falls can cause serious injuries. What first seems to be a simple bump and bruise may mask more serious injuries such as
- Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injury
- Concussions or even more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Because It Gets More Complicated When You’re a Cruise Ship Passenger
An accident while shopping at your local supermarket is one thing but while at sea or a port of call is quite another. When injured on a cruise ship, you need the specialized representation only a maritime lawyer San Diego can give you.
Maritime laws comprise both state and federal statutes, international treaties, and agreements between governments made through the United Nations that govern the liabilities cruise ship may incur from for injuries and death claims at sea.
What seems common sense in a land-based situation is different when it comes to historic principles of the law of the seas.
Jurisdiction is often complicated and several legal factors that must be considered include:
- The flag your ship flies under – what one country considers serious another may not.
- Statutes of limitations are much shorter, usually one year from the time a passenger has an accident until a lawsuit can be filed. Your passenger ticket contract requires you to provide the cruise line with a written notice within six months of the accident.
- Complex legal issues differ significantly from common state tort laws.
Because of these reasons, it is essential you find an experienced maritime lawyer in San Diego as soon as you return from your trip.
Because a Cruise Ship is a City to Itself
As new cruise ships come on the line every season, they grow larger. Passenger counts commonly exceed 5,000 men, women, and children. Since there is generally person on the crew for every passenger, that makes up to 10,000 people.
A cruise ship is literally a floating city – a city that poses unique risks of harm and injury not found on land.
No law enforcement officers are on board, medical services are limited, and other safety personnel is scarce.
Has an accident at sea? You need to contact an experienced maritime lawyer San Diego as soon as you unpack your bags.
