Statute of Limitations for Miami Cruise Ship Injuries

Each cruise line forces its passengers to enter into “ticket contracts” that drastically alter the rights of passengers once they board the ship. These ticket contracts severely restrict when and where a passenger can sue a cruise line in the event of a potential injury or accident.

Within the verbiage of the ticket contract, most cruise lines restrict when a passenger can sue them by drastically shortening the statute of limitations from three years to one year. This means that if you were injured while on your cruise, you have one year from the date of your accident or incident to file a lawsuit. Further, most cruise line ticket contracts also specify that you have to give them “notice” of your claim within six months of the date of the accident. If the passenger is a minor or mentally incompetent, this one-year limitation period is extended by law to three years. However, if a legal representative is appointed or the minor reaches adulthood, the time period to file suit is shortened again.

What This Means for Your Case

If you’ve been injured on a cruise ship, you should review your ticket contract to determine the statute of limitations specified by the cruise line and you must comply with this limit. Unfortunately, many attorneys who do not regularly practice maritime law do not know about the one-year limitation, and we have seen attorneys fail to meet this deadline for their clients. As a result, their client’s case against the cruise line is forever barred.

Do not let this happen to you. For competent, professional, and compassionate representation, contact our firm by calling (305) 638-4143. We’ll gladly discuss your case in a free, no-obligation case evaluation.