One of the most common questions clients ask after a cruise ship injury is, “What compensation can I expect?” or, more accurately, “How much is my case worth?” A good personal injury lawyer can give potential clients an idea of possible case value by providing a range based on past cases they have handled with similar facts damages. A full assessment of the case can lead to a range but never a guarantee. Here’s why: This is a question that no ethical lawyer can answer specifically and definitively without a crystal ball or a time machine. So many things can happen during the course of litigation that can affect a case outcome. 

Compensation in Cruise Ship Injury Cases

Determining the value of a cruise ship injury case is not straightforward. Several factors may be considered as part of damages in a non-wrongful death case:

  • Medical Diagnosis: Without a complete medical diagnosis, including whether surgery is required, predicting compensation is speculative.
  • Recovery Time: How long will recovery take? Will there be permanent disability or disfigurement?
  • Lost Wages: If the injury leads to an inability to work, how much income will be lost?
  • Pain and Suffering: The intangible costs like emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Wrongful Death: Damages can vary depending on the location of the death during a cruise voyage. This is because of the potential application of draconian maritime law governing deaths outside US territorial waters. It’s called DOHSA, Death on the High Seas Act. If it applied the estate is entitled to only pecuniary losses, which means no pain and suffering dollars for surviving family members. If the death did not occur on the “high seas” then Florida wrongful death damages can be awarded.

A lawyer who promises a specific compensation amount before all these details are known is not providing accurate guidance. Such promises can mislead clients and set unrealistic expectations.

 

Alex Perkins’ Experience and Approach

With over 20 years of experience, Alexander Perkins, Esq., at Perkins Law Offices, has handled numerous cruise ship injury cases. While specific outcomes depend on the details of each case, looking at past results can give you an idea of potential compensation:

  • Slip and Fall on Gangway: A $185,000 pre-suit settlement was secured for a client who suffered significant injuries from a slip and fall on a wet gang plank while she was boarding the ship in the Bahamas. We had no photos of the dangerous condition yet were able to leverage our years of experience with other gangplank cases to convince the cruise line it was in their best interest not to litigate. Thus, showcasing our cruise ship injury lawyers’ capabilities in handling complex premises liability claims on cruise ships.
  • Cruise Ship Negligence Injury: We obtained a $325,000 settlement for a client injured on slippery stairs due to the cruise line’s negligence in maintaining the materials used in the flooring, highlighting our success in negligence-based claims in which we litigated in federal court.
  • Cruise Ship Rape– Perkins secured a confidential, 7 figure settlement without filing a lawsuit against a Miami based cruise line in a rape of a young woman committed by a crew member.

Results like these are listed on our website at perkinslawoffices.com/results, demonstrating our track record in cruise ship accident litigation.

 

How We Evaluate Your Case

While it’s impossible to give a precise figure without full information, Mr. Perkins can discuss a range of potential compensation based on:

  • Type of Injury: Fractures, brain injuries, or wrongful death claims have different compensation scales.
  • Incident Details: Whether the cruise line was clearly negligent or if there is shared liability or other available defenses that can be argued by the Cruise line.

Our approach involves a thorough investigation, gathering all necessary medical records, employment information, and other evidence. We will typically send a comprehensive demand package before filing suit to determine if the case can resolved without filing a lawsuit.

 

Confidentiality in Settlements

It’s important to note that all major cruise lines often require a confidentiality agreement as part of any settlement. These agreements stipulate that the parties involved cannot disclose the settlement amount or details of the case. The primary reasons for this include:

  • Protecting Reputation: By keeping settlements confidential, cruise lines aim to maintain a positive public image, avoiding negative publicity that could deter future customers.
  • Preventing Further Litigation: Public knowledge of high settlements can invite more lawsuits. By keeping settlements under wraps, companies like cruise lines hope to discourage potential litigants who might see high compensation awards as an incentive to sue.
  • Controlling Information: Confidentiality agreements help control the narrative around incidents, reducing the chance that other passengers or potential clients will learn about specific safety or negligence issues.

 

Our Fee Structure

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees. You won’t pay anything unless we win your case. With Perkins, you get a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Miami committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Remember, while past results can inform you about potential outcomes, each case is unique. For a tailored evaluation of your cruise ship injury case, contact Perkins Law Offices for a free, confidential consultation.

Contacting Perkins Law Offices

If you’re seeking a cruise ship injury lawyer or cruise ship accident lawyer in Miami, here’s how you can reach us:

Our firm has two offices:

  • Miami Office: 1728 Coral Way, Suite 702, Miami, FL 33145
  • Boca Raton Office: 6560 W. Rogers Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33487

Alexander Perkins not only handles federal court matters, which are necessary for cruise ship cases, but he is also licensed in Illinois and Washington D.C. Our office is bilingual, offering services in English and Spanish, with translation available in other languages like Italian, Russian, French, and Creole.