Berschler & Draluck
Maritime Attorneys
Special Laws Apply to Cruise Lines and Tour Vessels
Nautical tourism whether on cruise ships, river barges or sightseeing boats is a great experience, similar to an all-inclusive resort, but better. What enables the worldwide water touring industry to sustain itself are the separate laws, treaties and protocols made especially to protect the vessel operator from passenger claims for injury, wrongful death or damage.
A reality of cruising is that some passengers experience serious injury, illness or death of passengers during nearly every voyage due to operator negligence. The maritime cruise industry narrows its exposure to paying money compensation through the following major tactics. The time to make a claim or file a lawsuit is short, a change from the usual statutes of limitation. The operator dictates the court location for lawsuits regardless of where the passenger resides. Those exotic voyages requiring the passenger to fly abroad to begin the cruise between ports outside the United States typically require the passenger to waive a jury trial and litigate their claim in a foreign country. The Athens Convention is a treaty that limits the money compensation for passengers on foreign flagged ships when the treaty applies.
As, experienced maritime law attorneys Arnold Berschler and Eric Draluck’s knowledge of applicable unique laws make them the seriously passenger’s best choice for sound advice and strong representation They have the answers to frequently asked questions such as:
Berschler & Draluck has successfully represented passengers who have been injured on cruise ships, party boats, sightseeing boats, yachts, and excursion vessels. We work to recover money damages involving all sorts of claims, ranging from slip-and-fall accidents, through sexual assault to denial of accommodations for the disabled. Berschler and Draluck also represents crew members of cruise ships who have been injured in the course of work.
Examples of Successful Outcomes.
Our client slipped and fell on the deck of a cruise ship while family members who were walking in front of her did not slip. She broke her leg. Attorney Arnold I. Berschler went down to San Diego with our firm’s expert to inspect the ship. Initially, the teak deck appeared to be constructed properly. However, we saw that the deck planks were defective. Our client received a substantial money compensation.
Another example, our client and her husband flew to the PRC – China – and took a cruise on the Yangtze River aboard a Chinese owned ship. He died because of inferior medical services aboard the vessel. We were able to show that a New York court could decide the case. Our client received substantial money compensation.
In another example, our client booked directly through the cruise line, reserving a room with physical disability accommodations. On boarding, the room was not provided, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C., §12101; et seq.). Our client received substantial money compensation.
Nautical Tourist Accident Victims Rights and Responsibilities Checklist Call
We offer contingency fees (no attorney fees upfront) in personal injury, wrongful death or maintenance and cure cases.
1-206-317-4860
The Who, What, When, and Why
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BERSCHLER & DRALUCK
Maritime Attorneys
720 Seneca St Suite 107-2
Seattle, WA 98101
DISCLAIMER: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information provided, it is not intended and should not be considered as legal advice. Individual situations differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. Please contact our office if you seek more specific technical or legal advice on the information provided or related topics. Thank you.