From the Mighty Mississippi River to the thousands of miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana is home to many daylong and international cruise ships. Many of these cruise ships boast multiple pools, themed bars and restaurants and plentiful shopping. Guests take cruises as opportunities to play, relax, celebrate and enjoy the beautiful scenery with old and new friends. They count on the cruise staff and maintenance crews to keep them safe as they kick up their heels.
Unfortunately, with the complexity and high-demand nature of cruise operations these days can come the cutting of corners as well as negligence. Falls from balconies, drownings and other serious and fatal injuries can happen when crew members fail to uphold their responsibilities to guests. When injuries or fatalities occur at sea, a separate set of laws called maritime laws come into play.
What are maritime laws?
Maritime laws, also known as admiralty laws, govern all issues concerning business conducted on open water. They cover all legal concerns regarding private maritime business including licensing, ship inspection procedures and the transportation of goods and people. Maritime laws also govern insurance claims and civil litigation.
These laws typically follow a different set of codes and are within a different jurisdiction than national laws. If you or a loved one suffers an injury or fatality while on a cruise ship, it may be wise to get legal guidance. It is important to have a clear understanding of the expectations for vessel owners, operators and staff when determining liability as you seek personal injury compensation.