North Carolina Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured while on a cruise ship? Talk to a North Carolina lawyer about your legal options. 

Cruise ships are an increasingly popular leisure choice for Americans. Sadly, a cruise also can cause injuries to passengers in onboard accidents.

International and maritime regulations can complicate the process of collecting damages. But don’t let the cruise line tell you who is and isn’t liable for your injury. An experienced North Carolina cruise ship accident lawyer can let you know your rights.  

Causes of North Carolina Cruise Ship Accidents

Cruise ships are like floating communities. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to share space with thousands of other travelers and crew members for a week-long cruise. 

Cruise ship accidents can take on a variety of forms. They can stem from the dangers of wet surfaces, worn-down equipment, or overcrowding. Some common types of cruise ship accidents include: 

• Slipping and falling on a wet pool deck
• Tripping down an uneven or unsafe set of stairs
• Gangway accidents
• Injuries caused by defective handrails

Unfortunately, some cruise ship passengers have also suffered injury or sexual assault at the hands of a crew member or fellow passenger. For these kinds of actions, a cruise line can also be held accountable in civil court. A cruise ship accident lawyer can explain your options in North Carolina.   

The Timeline for Your North Carolina Cruise Ship Accident

In the United States, claims on personal injuries are limited by a state’s statute of limitations. When you suffer an accident aboard a cruise ship, the same concept applies. In many cases, however, the timeline for taking action could be shorter than you think. 

A U.S. federal statute sets a one-year limit on taking legal action for an injury suffered on a cruise ship. To further complicate matters, most cruise lines require the victims to inform in writing of their intent to file a claim within six months of the accident. 

Cruise ship accidents can involve lengthy investigations and complex legal precedents. And the statute of limitations varies, depending on the relevant jurisdiction. Some accident victims have waited too long to take action. That’s why it’s best to reach out to a cruise ship accident lawyer as soon as possible. 

Proving Negligence for Your Cruise Ship Accident

Cruise ship accidents are often the result of negligence on the part of the crew or the cruise line. When a crew member fails to uphold their legal duty of care to a passenger, the cruise line can be held liable for damages. 

Defining what constitutes reasonable duty of care on a cruise ship can be difficult. But some basic expectations are that the cruise line keeps common areas free of hazards and ensures ship equipment functions properly. Crew members and ship operators must also be properly trained on safety protocol. 

Sometimes, a negligent fellow passenger can also cause harm. In these cases, the cruise line could be found responsible for failure to ensure a safe environment for all passengers. 

It’s common for passengers to gloss over the details of the booking contracts they sign. As a result, they might be told by the cruise line that they are unable to file an injury claim for their accident. Don’t take their word for it. If you’ve suffered an accident, a North Carolina cruise ship lawyer can investigate your case. 

Contact a Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer in North Carolina

Cruise ship injury claims can be complex. That’s why most NC victims seek help from a North Carolina cruise ship accident lawyer. The lawyers at The Nye Law Group are experienced practitioners of the federal and maritime laws related to North Carolina cruise ship accidents. They can help you fight for the settlement you deserve. 

Want to speak with an experienced lawyer at our North Carolina firm? Call 704-285-6319 or fill out the form below now to schedule a free, zero-obligation consult.