Cowen Edwards, PLLC can answer any question you might have after you’ve been hurt on a cruise ship. Accidents–whether they happen aboard the ship or during a shore excursion–can leave you facing pretty serious injuries. And while you have legal options, it’s all about the evidence you can get. Our team can make sure you have what you need. Set up a free consultation with our team today.
What Evidence Will I Need For an Injury Claim After a Cruise Ship Accident?
There’s a lot to be worried about when you’re hurt during a cruise–with your health and safety being the most important. Even though this is a situation you never want to be in, you do have some responsibilities in terms of getting the evidence you’ll need for a claim. Generally, it’s all about showing what happened and how it’s impacted you. This means you’ll need to start gathering things like:
- Incident reports – Make sure the cruise line fills out a formal incident report at the time of the accident. Ask for a copy, or at least take a photo of it if they won’t hand one over. This report shows the injury was serious enough to be documented.
- Pictures and videos – Visual proof is powerful. If you can, take pictures and videos of the accident scene–like a slippery deck, loose railing, or poorly lit stairwell. Also photograph any visible injuries, and keep track of how they progress in the days after.
- Medical records – Whether you were treated on the ship, at the port back in Fort Lauderdale, or at a hospital after returning home, save every medical document you get. These records tie your injuries directly to what happened.
- Witness information – If any passengers or crew members saw what happened, their statements could support your version of events. Get their contact info if possible—you may need it later.
- Your own notes – Right after the accident, jot down everything you remember: the time, place, what caused the accident, who helped you, and what was said. Memories fade quickly, but having your own written account can help you stay consistent–especially if the cruise line later tries to use your recorded statement to point out “inconsistencies.”
- Expenses and losses – Save receipts, bills, and proof of missed work. These details show how the injury affected your life beyond the cruise itself.
Remember, the cruise line will be collecting evidence too. That’s why it’s smart to build your own case from day one. From there, our team can guide you through the claims process itself.
How Does the Claims Process Work After a Cruise Ship Accident?
For as difficult as being injured in an accident during a cruise can be, it’s ultimately going to come down to the proof and evidence you can show. From there, the starting point of the actual claims process is figuring out who’s responsible for what happened–which isn’t always easy to figure out. It could include:
- The cruise line itself
- Individual crew members
- Third-party vendors on board
- Port operators
- Other passengers
Since cruise ships are considered “common carriers,” they’re legally held to a higher standard of care–so if they failed to keep you safe, they may be liable. Once liability is figured out, though, the overall process follows a familiar path. Once you’ve gathered strong evidence, you typically have two main legal options:
- File a claim directly with the cruise line’s insurance provider
- Take your case to court through a personal injury lawsuit
Most of the time, things begin with an insurance claim. We’ll present your evidence and handle negotiations, pushing for a settlement that actually reflects what you’ve been through. But if the cruise line—or its insurance company—refuses to take your claim seriously, we’re fully prepared to move forward with a lawsuit.
The damages you can get depends heavily on how well our team can present the evidence you have, but usually involves things like:
- Medical expenses, from shipboard care to long-term rehab
- Lost wages and future income if you couldn’t return to work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional or psychological distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
It’s also important to know that there are deadlines in place. Under Florida law, most cruise ship claims must be filed within two years–but many cruise lines set much shorter deadlines in the fine print of your ticket, sometimes as little as six months. That’s one more reason to act quickly and get legal advice early on in the process.
Let Cowen Edwards Help You After a Cruise Ship Accident in Fort Lauderdale
Most people board a cruise expecting a stress-free getaway—not an accident that turns everything upside down. But when something goes wrong onboard, and you’re left injured, things get complicated fast.
At Cowen Edwards, we understand how overwhelming this process can be. We work closely with passengers who’ve been hurt on Fort Lauderdale-based cruises and know exactly how to help you protect your rights from day one. That starts with understanding what kind of evidence strengthens your claim. Schedule a free consultation with our team today and get the help you need to start getting better.
