Norfolk Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer
Norfolk, VA is home to a cruise ship terminal where cruise industry ships stop or even originate. If you sustained injuries on a cruise, you might be entitled to compensation. For a thorough evaluation of your case, you should call a Norfolk cruise ship accident lawyer with Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers for guidance.
As a guest on a cruise, you have the right to expect a safe ship with no hazardous conditions that could result in harm to you. When a cruise line fails to meet its duty of care, it may be responsible for any injuries that you sustain as a result. A skilled injury lawyer could assess your situation and determine the best course of action in your case.
The Duty of Care for Boats in Norfolk
Just like the owner of any other business, a cruise line has a responsibility to maintain the ship in a reasonably safe condition. Failing to create a safe environment can easily result in highly dangerous conditions.
Some of the conditions that may constitute negligence include:
- Poor ship maintenance and upkeep
- Failure to properly inspect ships for hazardous conditions
- Poor sanitation that can lead to food poisoning or contagious illness
- Ship excursions or onboard activities that are unsafe
While all cruise lines generally owe a duty of care to their passengers, admiralty or maritime law may apply in determining whether the cruise line was negligent. As a result, injury victims it is important to consult a cruise ship accident lawyer in Norfolk regarding any claims they may have as quickly as possible.
Cruise Ship Tickets and Personal Injury Claims
Cruise line tickets are legal contracts between the purchasers of the ticket and the seller. These contracts typically have fine print that outlines limitations on lawsuits resulting from personal injuries. These restrictions might designate the jurisdiction for any lawsuits to be filed and applicable laws, as well as the time limits for filing a suit.
Another potential restriction on claims might include limitations on damages related to property damage, personal injury, and wrongful death. For example, the contract might limit the ability to recover for certain damages or require the claim be brought in a certain court. Since these restrictions directly can affect your ability to file a lawsuit, you should get the advice of a cruise ship accident attorney in Norfolk.
Time Limits to File Claims
All personal injury claims are subject to statutes of limitations, or time limits by which individuals must file their claims. Failure to observe these deadlines can result in you being unable to recover any damages for your losses, even in cases of obvious negligence.
Although the law on the applicable statute of limitations may vary under the circumstances, many cruise ship injury claims must be filed within one year of the date of the accident. The ticket purchased may specify a statute of limitations, as well as the proper forum for filing a claim. Therefore, getting legal advice as quickly as possible following a cruise ship accident is critical.
A Norfolk Cruise Ship Accident Attorney Could Help
Whether you slipped and fell on deck, contracted food poisoning, or suffered other injuries, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries. If you can establish that the negligence of the cruise line caused the accident that led to your injuries, you may be entitled to recover damages. A Norfolk cruise ship accident lawyer could help you build a personal injury claim. Call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to get started.