Cruise vacations are meant to offer rest, recreation, and unforgettable experiences—but when accidents happen onboard, they can result in serious injuries and complex legal challenges. At John Foy & Associates, we have recovered over $1 billion for injury victims across Georgia and beyond.
If you or a loved one was hurt on a cruise, a qualified Holland America Line injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering related to your injury.
Our cruise ship injury lawyers understand the unique legal hurdles of filing a cruise ship injury claim and are prepared to hold cruise lines accountable when they fail to keep their passengers safe. Whether your accident happened on deck, in a port of call, or during an excursion, we can help you take the next steps.
Common Types of Injuries on Holland America Cruises
Injuries aboard cruise ships can happen in a variety of ways. Some are the result of slippery decks or stairwells, while others occur during shore excursions or organized onboard activities. The most common types of cruise-related injuries include:
- Slip and falls: Wet surfaces, poor lighting, or lack of handrails can cause passengers to fall and suffer broken bones, head injuries, or back trauma.
- Swimming pool accidents: Cruise ship pools and hot tubs may lack proper supervision or maintenance, leading to drowning, slips, or chemical burns.
- Food poisoning or illness outbreaks: Improper food handling or unsanitary conditions can lead to gastrointestinal illness, including norovirus outbreaks.
- Injuries during excursions: Shore excursions arranged through the cruise line can result in injuries due to negligent third-party operators or unsafe transportation.
- Medical negligence: Inadequate onboard medical care can worsen injuries or delay critical treatment.
- Assault or security failures: Poorly trained staff or insufficient security measures may contribute to physical assault or theft.
Regardless of how your injury occurred, it’s important to understand that cruise lines have a legal duty to provide safe conditions for their passengers and crew. When they fail to do so, they may be held liable.
Who Is Responsible for Cruise Ship Injuries?
Holland America Line, like all cruise operators, is responsible for maintaining a safe environment onboard. However, cruise injury claims can involve multiple potentially liable parties, including:
- The cruise line: If your injury was caused by slippery walkways, broken equipment, or unsafe conditions, Holland America may be liable for negligence.
- Ship medical staff: If a shipboard doctor or nurse fails to provide proper care, the cruise line could be held accountable for medical malpractice.
- Third-party contractors: Injuries during excursions or port activities may involve tour operators, transportation providers, or excursion guides.
- Other passengers or crew members: In cases of assault or misconduct, legal responsibility may extend to individuals and the cruise line for inadequate supervision.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help determine who is liable and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Why Cruise Ship Injury Claims Are Different
Unlike standard personal injury claims, cruise ship accident cases are governed by maritime law, which follows a different set of rules than state or local law. Additionally, Holland America and other cruise lines typically include specific legal language in their ticket contracts that can affect your ability to file a lawsuit.
Important factors to be aware of include:
- Shorter deadlines: Most cruise contracts limit the time you have to file a claim to just one year from the date of the incident.
- Notice requirements: You may be required to provide written notice of your injury to the cruise line within six months.
- Jurisdiction limitations: Cruise lines often specify where lawsuits must be filed—many require cases to be brought in federal court. In this case, it would be in Washington State, where Holland America is headquartered.
Missing any of these deadlines or filing in the wrong jurisdiction could cause your claim to be dismissed. That’s why it’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you were injured on a Holland America cruise, you may be eligible to recover compensation for the following damages:
- Medical costs (onboard treatment, emergency evacuation, and ongoing care)
- Lost income from time off work or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering related to physical and emotional trauma
- Disability or disfigurement from long-term or permanent injuries
- Out-of-pocket expenses for travel changes, rehabilitation, or home care
- Wrongful death damages if the incident resulted in a fatality
The amount of compensation you may receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the incident, and the strength of the evidence supporting your claim.
Contact a Holland America Line Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured on a Holland America cruise, don’t wait to take legal action. Time limits on cruise ship injury claims are shorter than most people expect—often just six months to provide notice and one year to file a lawsuit. If you miss those deadlines, you could lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
Speaking with an experienced Holland America Line injury law firm ensures you understand your rights and stay within all applicable legal timeframes. Our team can help you make sense of the cruise line’s fine print, gather strong evidence, and fight to get the financial recovery you need to move forward.
Contact John Foy & Associates today for a free consultation. We’re ready to review your case, explain your options, and stand by your side every step of the way. With our experience and commitment, you’ll have The Strong Arm on your side—no fees unless we win.
