News out of Nassau reports that a 4000 passenger Disney cruise ship collided with a pier at in Nassau on its way to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. The Dream is homeported in Port Canaveral, Florida- which is the nearest port to Disney’s headquarters in Orlando. Port Canaveral is also the home port of the Dream’s sister ship, the Disney Fantasy.
According to sources, the Dream was on the final stage of a 4-night cruise- when the collision occurred. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries. Passengers aboard the ship shared pictures of the damage on social media sites.
Filing a Claim Against Disney Cruise Line
Claims against cruise lines like Disney for injuries sustained by passengers or crew members require highly specialized legal representation. For example, lawsuits against Disney have to be filed within one year of the date of the incident- generally speaking in Federal Court in Orlando, Florida and in passenger claims- within one year of the date of the incident.
These types of cases are legally complex and are commonly referred to a maritime personal injury claims attorney. This is because special laws apply including Florida state, federal and international maritime law- and these laws severely limit what an injured passenger, crew or their families are entitled to recover. Federal substantive and procedural differ greatly for typical Florida state court claims. For example, if someone were to slip and fall in a wet and slippery bathroom at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, they and if married their spouse would be able to file a lawsuit in state court in Florida up to four years from the date of the fall- which is three years longer than the time permitted in a maritime claim. In addition, any lawyer licensed to practice law in Florida could file the claim- where if the same fall were to occur aboard a Disney cruise ship the case would most likely be filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida – which requires a special bar admission in addition to Federal Court and then specifically to the Middle District which has its own subset of local rules.
Therefore it is very important to contact a qualified cruise ship lawyer if you or a loved one are injured at sea aboard a Disney Cruise Ship. Our Miami personal injury law firm has successfully represented individuals in claims on behalf of injured passengers and crew members from around the world- against all of the major cruise lines, including Disney for more than 30 years of combined legal experience.
Speak With An Experience Miami Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer
Call us today and speak to one of our maritime personal injury attorneys, and let us help protect your legal rights and assist you in obtaining the compensation you are entitled to for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering. Call today 1-866-597-4529, or locally at 305-441-0440, or email us at [email protected], or SKYPE us for a free initial consultation.
