While Orlando doesn’t have traditional Atlantic or Gulf Coast beachfront property, there are still plenty of local waterways and lakes. Many Orlando residents also make the relatively short drive to the beach in order to enjoy various types of watercraft-related recreation – not to mention trips on cruise ships.

Watercraft, especially cruises that enter international waters or even visit other countries, add some unique complications to the traditional personal injury claims process.

In the case of personal watercraft, fishing boats, speedboats and other recreational water activities, boat injury claims are not all that different from other types of personal injuries. Operators and owners of these boats must adhere to the strict rules and laws governing their operation. If injuries are a result of their failure to follow those laws, they can be held liable for the damage, including medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Claims related to injuries suffered on cruise ships may sometimes operate under a slightly different set of rules due to maritime law. What happens if you are injured while on a shore excursion in the Bahamas? Could you pursue damages in a U.S. court, or would you have to go through the Bahamas court system? Is the person who operated the excursion activity (if separate from the cruise line) responsible for your injuries, or is the cruise ship operator responsible? A personal injury attorney experienced in cruise ship injury claims can help answer these questions and formulate a strategy to pursue the compensation you’re owed.

Common Cruise Ship Injuries

While cruises offer an assortment of amenities, these floating resorts can sometimes be sites of unexpected accidents. Common cruise ship injuries include: