If you don’t have a friend or family member who is a lawyer you may be unsure how to find the best cruise ship lawyer for your case. You may not even know where the case must be brought. Passengers come from all over the globe, with a significant majority of those passengers traveling to North America for their cruise. Caribbean cruises are the most popular. This fact underscores the importance of jurisdictionwhen legal issues arise, particularly with cruise ship injuries as incidents happen at sea, in ports of foreign countries and in U.S. navigable waters.
Most passengers turn to the internet to find a cruise ship injury lawyer. But you can’t just settle on the first name you see. This is because not all firms and lawyers who advertise for cruise ship cases, actually regularly handle cruise cases. Mass advertisers and large firms advertise for everything. You should first scroll through the firms and lawyers in the jurisdiction where the cruise ticket requires lawsuits to be brought. If you are unsure, the most common jurisdiction is in Miami, Florida where many of the cruise lines and their ships are based. Look at the fine print in the emailed receipt you received when buying the ticket. There are often links to the “terms and conditions”. Typically, the language about location of lawsuits is in the part discussing time limits, jurisdiction, venue, and governing law. Your cruise ship lawyer will confirm if you are looking in the right place.
When you start scrolling through cruise law firms, look for someone who seems like they have had past results and clients in the cruise injury field. Google business profiles also will give you insight into 5 star reviews of that lawyer.
Jurisdiction and Cruise Lines
- Cruise Line Headquarters in Miami:
Many major cruise lines are based in Miami, Florida, including:- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Royal Caribbean International
- Carnival Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Virgin Voyages
These corporations not only operate from Miami but also significantly influence where legal actions must be filed due to contractual stipulations in cruise tickets.
- Florida Cruise Ports:
Ships embark from several ports in Florida, including:- PortMiami (Miami)
- Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)
- Port Canaveral (near Orlando)
- Port Tampa Bay (Tampa)
The location of these ports often dictates the jurisdiction for legal claims. For instance, most cruise line contracts stipulate that lawsuits must be filed in Florida, with many specifying the Southern District Federal Court in Miami. An exception is Disney Cruise Line, which mandates suits to be brought in the Middle District of Florida, closer to their Orlando base.
Cruise Line Contracts
- Ticket Contract Terms:
The cruise ticket contract is crucial as it often includes clauses specifying where legal actions can occur. For example, some contracts might require litigation in California or Washington state. This legal language is confusing in the terms and conditions, underscoring why you need a lawyer well-versed in interpreting these contracts. - Perkins Law Offices:
With offices in Miami and Boca Raton, Perkins Law Offices has extensive experience handling claims against all major cruise lines in Florida. We analyze the ticket contract to determine the correct jurisdiction for your case. If they cannot represent you due to jurisdiction issues, they will guide you to a qualified attorney in the appropriate location. We even co-counsel with other cruise law firms in other states.
Maritime Law Complexity
- Federal vs. State Court:
Understanding the differences between federal and state courts is vital:- Federal Courts:Governed by the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes, including maritime law. They have uniform rules across the country for procedures, but damages might follow state law where applicable.
- State Courts:Operate under state-specific laws and procedures. However, in maritime cases, federal law often supersedes state law.
According to the Florida Bar Journal, federal courts in maritime cases might apply state damage caps or principles, which can significantly affect the outcome of personal injury lawsuits. This dual application of law requires a lawyer with specific maritime law knowledge.
- Not All Lawyers Are Equipped:
Handling cruise ship injuries involves navigating complex maritime statutes, international law, and specific federal court procedures. Not every personal injury lawyer has this expertise or practices in federal courts regularly. Many lawyers in Florida are not admitted to practice in federal court where cruise ship cases must be brought, so that is one way to quickly determined if they are qualified to handle your case.
Finding the Right Lawyer
- Look for Specialization in Cruise Cases:
A lawyer’s website should demonstrate experience with cruise ship injuries. Perkinslawoffices.com, for instance, lists numerous cases they’ve managed, showcasing their specialization. - Client Interaction and Reviews:
Reviews from clients like those on Perkins Law Offices’ site highlight the personal attention and success in maritime cases, emphasizing Mr. Perkins’ direct involvement. - Understanding the Law:
Your lawyer should be adept at maritime law, knowing how federal and state laws interplay in your case, including the implications of DOHSA, the Death on the High Seas Act.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured on a cruise, finding the right lawyer is paramount. Perkins Law Offices, with their deep understanding of cruise line contracts, maritime law, and jurisdiction nuances, can navigate this complex legal landscape for you.
Contact Perkins Law Officesfor a free, confidential case review to determine your next steps:
Miami Office:
1728 Coral Way Suite 702, Miami, FL 33145
Boca Raton Office:
6560 W. Rogers Circle Suite 15, Boca Raton, FL 33487
Phone:305-741-5297
Email:perkins@perkinslawoffices.com
Whether your injury occurred on a ship or during an excursion, let us help you understand your rights and find the best legal path forward whether it’s with our cruise injury lawyer or some other firm. Consultations are always free and there are no upfront fees to hire Perkins Personal Injury Lawyers. We work on a contingency basis which means you pay nothing unless we recover money for your case. If there is no recovery, there is no fees or costs to you. Don’t delay in getting justice. Call now or email us or fill out the form on our website.
