What Steps to Take if a Loved One Dies on a Cruise Ship

If your loved one dies while on a cruise, you may have many legal and logistical concerns that are even more difficult to navigate while you are grieving. Knowing the steps to take and who you can rely on to guide you is key to getting justice during this difficult time.

When you trust a Florida cruise ship wrongful death lawyer with your case, they can help you manage the legal tasks while you spend time with your family, mourn, and return to your normal activities as much as possible.

What to Do Immediately After Your Loved One’s Cruise Ship Death

Knowing what to do after your loved one has an accident or health event and passes away is important. As soon as possible, you should:

Notify the Cruise Ship Crew Immediately

Your first step should be to notify the cruise staff. They have protocols in place to address injuries and medical emergencies, including fatal accidents. This process is often led by onboard medical personnel. They will manage the logistics of handling your loved one’s body and documenting what happened.

Request a Written Incident Report

The cruise line will prepare an official report detailing what happened and the specifics of your loved one’s death. This report will be essential for your legal case. It will likely include what happened, any medical care given, details about injuries, witnesses, crew actions, and other facts.

Document the Situation

As much as possible, you should document the incident. Take photographs of any hazards, record your version of events as soon as possible, and gather contact information of witnesses. This step could be essential in remembering the details later.

Preserve Evidence

Take action to preserve any evidence you have related to the incident. This evidence could include pictures you take, paperwork you receive, the clothing they were wearing, and any personal belongings. Something as simple as broken eyeglasses could help tell the story of what happened.

Request Onboard Medical Records

If the onboard medical team assessed or treated your loved one, request copies of their medical records. These records should include their diagnoses, treatments, and any medications administered.

Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Advice

The cruise line may ask you to sign various documents related to your loved one’s death. It is important to discuss these documents with an attorney who can review them before you sign anything. They could be waivers or settlement offers. Signing them could limit your rights to seek justice in the future.

What Are the Next Steps After You Return Home?

Once you return home and take care of your loved one’s final arrangements, it is time to turn to the legal case if you believe their death occurred because of negligence.

Review the Cruise Ticket Contract

You will want to review the back of your loved one’s cruise ticket to learn the terms of the contract. This small print provides a lot of information, as it is the agreement your loved one made with the cruise line when they chose to board the ship. This fine print often dictates where you will need to sue, which laws will apply, and how long you have to act.

If you have not reviewed these terms already, your attorney can explain them to you and what they mean for your case.

Consult a Maritime or Wrongful Death Attorney

When a death occurs on the open ocean, maritime law applies. Navigating these laws requires knowledge of how they work and the process necessary to hold the cruise line accountable.

A Florida cruise ship accident lawyer will know how to deal with the complexity of these cases and how to file a wrongful death action on behalf of your family. They will build a claim and seek fair compensation for the losses your family experienced when appropriate.

What Does the Legal Process Look Like If You Sue a Cruise Line?

Most cruise lines require you to file a notice of claim quickly after an onboard death. You might have a few months to file this formal notice that you intend to sue. Failing to file this notice within the prescribed time could limit your rights. This is just one reason why you should discuss your options with an attorney as soon as possible.

Your Florida personal injury lawyer will file your wrongful death claim and pursue a fair settlement based on your family’s recoverable damages. However, this is not always successful. Not all cruise lines will accept responsibility or offer an adequate payout to compensate your family for your losses.

When the cruise line will not pay for its negligence, it may be time to sue. How long you can wait before deciding to take legal action depends on the ticket contract. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, Florida law provides two years to sue. However, you may have less time based on the ticket contract. Meeting this deadline is essential, so you should act quickly to get a cruise ship wrongful death lawyer on your case.

Discuss Your Loved One’s Death and Your Legal Options With Our Team

Taking the right steps as soon as possible after your loved one’s cruise ship death will protect your rights and help your attorney build a stronger case for compensation. With a lawyer on your side, you can trust they will conduct a proper investigation and take the necessary legal actions to win your case. 

Most cruise ship wrongful death lawyers manage these cases based on contingency. You can hire a lawyer to represent your family with no upfront fees. 

At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, Debi Chalik and Jason Chalik have worked directly with our clients since opening our law firm in 2003. A Florida cruise ship wrongful death lawyer from our team will fight for justice for you. Contact us today for a free consultation with our team.