Claiming damages in a cruise ship accident

On behalf of Aiken and Aiken P.C. Personal Injury Attorneys posted in Wrongful Death, on Wednesday, May 20, 2015

A recent cruise ship accident on a coral reef in Bermuda was presumably caused by power failure; which caused a failure in the steering system. While none of the 2,500 passengers and crewmembers onboard was injured, it was surely an experience none of them want to have again.What would have happened if the shipwreck had caused a passenger’s death? The Complications of Maritime Law and ContractsWhen you sign up for a cruise, you are setting on a common carrier, which falls under maritime law. In addition, when you purchase your ticket, there are terms and conditions you must agree to in order to complete the purchase. While you may not have read them, these terms usually state that the cruise line is not responsible for damages or injury.This can put you in a tight bind if someone becomes fatally injured. But, that waiver does not automatically get the cruise line off the hook in every instance. The “asterisk” next to any waiver is negligence. If that can be proven, damages may be claimed. Trying to Prove NegligenceUnder maritime law, if your ship crew’s negligence or ill will toward you causes wrongful death, the cruise line may be held responsible. Proving negligence is not a simple task, though. It takes a qualified attorney to build a strong case, as most common carrier companies will have large teams of lawyers working against you.If you have suffered the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death in Barnstable County, the first step is to contact an attorney to receive the recompense you deserve. While it can never bring your loved one back, it can ease any financial burden they may have left behind.