Can a Cruise Line Be Held Liable for the Death of a Passenger?

A cruise line can be held liable for the death of a passenger if it acted negligently. A spouse, child, or other members of the family of the deceased person (decedent) could file a wrongful death claim to hold the cruise line accountable for its negligence.

Seek legal guidance and support if a family member dies in a cruise line accident. A cruise ship injury wrongful death lawyer can help you cope with this emotionally devastating situation. They can explain your rights and if you have grounds for legal action against the cruise line. 

How Can a Cruise Line Be Held Liable for the Death of a Passenger?

A cruise line is liable for a passenger’s death if it fails to meet a standard of care. For example, the crew of a cruise ship does not have proper training. If a passenger dies as a result of a crew member’s negligence, a surviving member of the decedent’s family could seek damages from the cruise line as part of a wrongful death claim. 

In addition, a cruise line is expected to comply with various regulations. If it chooses not to do so and someone dies while traveling on one of its ships, the cruise line can be held responsible for all associated losses. 

Meet with a cruise ship injury lawyer if you are considering a wrongful death claim based on a passenger’s death. Your attorney is compassionate and empathetic as you deal with the aftermath that comes with losing a family member. They take care of your legal matters while you and your loved ones support one another during this difficult time in your lives. 

What Can Survivors Do to Hold a Cruise Line Liable for a Passenger’s Death?

Get legal help from a personal injury lawyer who has experience in cruise line wrongful death cases. Your attorney guides you through the wrongful death claims process. They calculate your compensatory damages and prepare an argument to show that a cruise line should have to cover them.

Your attorney discusses the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) and maritime law with you and describes how these apply to your case. DOHSA governs wrongful death claims relating to passengers who die on cruise ships. Maritime law relates to cruise ship accidents and injuries that occur on navigable waters.

Together, you and your lawyer can gather evidence to support your wrongful death claim. Your proof can include witness statements, an incident report, and medical records. If you have compelling proof, the cruise line could offer a fair settlement. 

Factors to Consider in a Cruise Line Wrongful Death Case

Talk to a cruise line injury wrongful death attorney about your case. Your lawyer can serve as your legal representative and advocate throughout your case proceedings. They consider several factors as they help you prove a cruise line should be held accountable for a passenger’s death, including:

Liability

Saying a cruise line is responsible for a passenger’s wrongful death is not enough to recover damages. Use evidence from a variety of sources to show that a cruise line was negligent and should be held liable for its actions. 

Liability Waiver

A cruise line could require passengers to sign a liability waiver before they board its ships. By signing a waiver, a passenger gives up some of their rights to sue if they get hurt. If a passenger dies due to a cruise line’s gross negligence, a surviving family member of the decedent could obtain damages through a wrongful death claim, even if a liability waiver was signed previously.     

Investigations

Typically, a cruise line will investigate a passenger’s death. However, the investigation could be biased as a cruise line looks to limit the risk of a wrongful death lawsuit. Federal authorities could also investigate a passenger’s death and prepare a report detailing their findings, which can be used as evidence in a wrongful death case. 

Time Frame for Filing a Claim

Cruise lines can restrict the period in which a decedent’s surviving family members can submit a compensation request. As such, it is in your best interests to consult with a wrongful death lawyer immediately if you are considering a claim against a cruise line. 

Contact a wrongful death lawyer if you are unsure of whether a cruise line can be held at fault for the death of a passenger. Share your legal concerns and questions with your attorney. From here, your lawyer can advise you on what to do next and let you know if they believe a wrongful death claim is warranted. 

Hire Cruise Ship Injury Wrongful Death Lawyers Who Find Solutions to a Wide Range of Legal Issues

You and your loved ones are mourning the loss of a family member in a fatal cruise ship accident. Trust cruise ship injury wrongful death attorneys to assist you. With your lawyer’s help, you can build an argument to prove that a cruise line is liable for the death of a passenger. 

With more than 350 years of combined legal experience on staff, John Foy & Associates knows the challenges that come with filing a wrongful death claim. We are available to review your legal options. Schedule a consultation with us.