Passenger Claims

Cruise Ships

Cruise lines are a worldwide booming industry with approximately 7 million passengers per year boarding cruise ships. While cruise ships cater to passengers providing luxury accommodations and services, the laws that govern accidents and injuries on cruise ships are quite specialized and were initially designed to serve the shipping industry’s advantage. For example, even though the statute of limitations is three years for filing a personal injury claim against a cruise ship, many cruise ships have passengers sign contracts which contain clauses that require a personal injury claim to be filed within one year and stipulate one location where the claim must be filed. Most of the major cruise lines require suit to be filed in Miami, Florida.

In general, maritime law, which originally was legislated to favor and keep shipping companies in business, has not changed with the times to protect consumer rights and offer remedies against cruise lines. Winning claims against cruise lines necessitates hiring a personal injury lawyer with extensive experience and a track record of success in litigating these types of claims. At Steven M. Dunn, P.A., our lawyers have such experience and skills, and have taken on countless cases of this type, demonstrating a high level of competence in representing both crew and passengers. The following are just a few examples of the types of maritime cases our firm has successfully litigated against a cruise line:

A final judgment against Carnival Cruise Lines for $1,037,680 for a client whose mental illness directly caused by an accident onboard the Carnival cruise ship became permanent as a result of discontinued treatment. Compensation was awarded for past maintenance, past cure, past lost wages, past pain and suffering, future pain and suffering, and future medical expenses.
A $3,250,000 settlement on the day of trial on behalf of an injured crew member who was injured on a ship in the English Channel. In rough seas, a large refrigerator came loose, rolled across the galley, crushing the seaman and causing significant injuries.
A $1,500,000 settlement for a crew member who because of the cruise line's neglect of his dental problems, developed a brain abscess that has to be surgically removed.
A $900,000 settlement for a crew member whose hypertension was mishandled by the ship doctors resulting in serious kidney damage. In addition to the settlement, he also received hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of medical treatment including a kidney replacement.
An $800,000 settlement for a crew member whose hypertension and diabetes were mistreated by ship doctors causing kidney damage and other diabetic complications.
A $410,000 settlement for a crew member whose glaucoma was mistreated by ship doctors resulting in permanent eye damage.
A $450,000 settlement for passenger who slipped and fell on a wet floor in the dining room suffering a head injury.

For excellent legal representation for serious injuries or illnesses suffered as a result of negligence at sea, please arrange a consultation to discuss your case. The Law Office of Steven M. Dunn will make every effort to see that you receive the compensation entitled by law. Call 305-868-1400 or toll free at 1-888-576-9076, or contact us online today.