The average settlement for a cruise ship accident is impossible to determine due to confidentiality agreements. Most payouts range from $20,000 to $500,000. Severe or permanent injuries can lead to settlements that can reach $1 million or higher.
Every cruise ship injury case is unique, and settlement amounts will vary based on the extent of your damages. Cruise lines are also subject to maritime laws, which can differ significantly from U.S. laws, and many passenger contracts include fine print that limits the cruise line’s liability.
This makes legal guidance especially important when dealing with cruise ship accidents. Call today for a free consultation and find out how a New Orleans maritime lawyer can help.
Should You Take a Quick Settlement for a Cruise Ship Injury?
An insurance company representing the cruise line may offer a settlement soon after your injury, especially when it is clear the cruise line is liable. This may seem like a good thing, but often these settlements are much lower than what your case is really worth.
If you accept their offer, you waive your rights to future compensation, even if you are still injured and need help. The cruise line gets off the hook for a fraction of what they owe you. For this reason, it is rarely a good idea to accept a settlement offer without first speaking to an attorney.
Your lawyer can let you know if the offer is fair and whether you can expect to cover all of your current and future costs. It’s important to remember that insurance companies aren’t on your side in a personal injury case. It’s a good idea to get legal help to represent your interests.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Cruise Ship Injury?
It’s smart to consult with a personal injury lawyer whenever you are hurt through no fault of your own, but cruise ship injuries are especially complicated. Understanding the laws and regulations that govern cruise ships requires very specific legal knowledge.
When you booked your cruise, you likely agreed to terms that affect your legal rights. Cruise tickets serve as contracts and often limit passenger rights. They typically specify where legal disputes must be handled, usually based on the cruise line’s home country or the ship’s flag state.
Jurisdiction over crimes also depends on the ship’s location, flag state, and involved nationalities. Depending on where and how your injury happened, your cruise ship accident could fall under:
Flag State Laws
Cruise ships follow the laws of the country where they are registered, known as the flag state. A ship may be based in the U.S. but registered in the Bahamas, where regulations are more lenient. Flag state laws govern onboard operations, safety standards, and criminal jurisdiction.
International Laws
In addition to flag state laws, cruise ships must follow international maritime laws, including global safety rules set by the International Maritime Organization. These laws apply to all vessels, no matter where they are in the world.
Laws in Port
If you’re injured while in port, your case may fall under the laws of that country. When docked, cruise ships must follow the host nation’s laws, including those related to customs, immigration, public health, and local safety inspections.
Jurisdiction at Sea
Ships follow coastal country laws within 12 miles of shore. Beyond that, in international waters, ships follow the laws of their flag state. That means, even if you were at sea, if you were close to the border of another country, you may need to deal with their laws.
What Determines Your Settlement in a Cruise Ship Accident?
Although the average cruise ship accident settlement is difficult to determine, an attorney can assess your hardships and arrive at a figure that fully accounts for your damages. Depending on your case, you may be able to recover costs for:
- Medical expenses, such as hospital bills, doctors’ visits, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical care related to the injury
- Lost wages to compensate you for income lost while you’re unable to work due to the injury
- Non-economic damages: Monetary damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death. If a loved one dies on a cruise due to negligence, the family may be able to seek damages for funeral costs, lost support, and emotional suffering
- Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases where the cruise line’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious
Get Help When You Are Injured on a Cruise
The statistical average cruise ship accident settlement is unknown due to the confidential nature of many settlements. It is reasonable to expect a range between a few thousand dollars and tens of thousands of dollars, with some cases in the millions of dollars.
Due to the complex nature of cruise ship accidents, it is always smart to hire an attorney with experience in maritime law. Your lawyer can maximize your cruise ship accident settlement while holding the appropriate liable parties accountable.
Our team at Cueria Law Firm has been advocating for injured accident victims in Louisiana for over 35 years. Call today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help with your cruise ship accident settlement.
