Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
When the unthinkable happens, and you are injured on a Miami cruise vacation, the consequences for your trip are just the beginning. In the aftermath, you could suffer significant physical, emotional, and financial losses due to your injuries. The good news is that you have legal remedies, including filing an injury claim and suing in court. As part of the process, you may have the opportunity to settle your claim without litigation. A look at the latest statistics on personal injury claims reveals that this is a common outcome. Up to 95% of all accident cases are resolved via settlement rather than a trial.
Cruise ship accidents are a unique type of personal injury claim, but the principles of settlement still apply. The benefits are significant, so it is smart to carefully consider working out your case by agreement. You can count on a Miami cruise ship accident attorney to guide you in negotiations, and some information on the advantages will be helpful.
Benefits of Settling Cruise Ship Accident Claims
The settlement means you avoid going to trial for your case, but there are additional perks that should encourage you to be open to an agreement.
- Settling your claim is a faster resolution than litigation, and negotiations may only take a few weeks.
- Because of a shorter process in terms of timing, your legal costs and fees are reduced.
- When you settle by agreement, you have certainty in the outcome of your case. Juries can be unpredictable, possibly leading to a loss.
Mistakes With Injury Settlements
Though you do gain certain advantages by resolving a cruise ship accident claim by agreement, it is crucial to keep an eye on the downsides. One critical error is settling too early simply because the cruise operator makes a tempting offer. The problem is that you may not know the full extent of your losses, and you give up your right to sue when you settle. Another mistake is not realizing what you can recover via a settlement. You may be entitled to amounts for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Legal Help With Cruise Accidents
Because pitfalls with settlement can have a serious impact on your compensation, it is essential to retain an experienced cruise ship accident lawyer for guidance. Your attorney will assist with the following:
- Gathering evidence of fault;
- Reviewing your medical records;
- Preparing proper forms with the cruise operator to file your accident claim, keeping in mind the shorter deadlines compared to the two-year Florida statute of limitations;
- Negotiating a settlement with the cruise operator and insurance company;
- Representing you at arbitration or mediation to resolve disputes; and,
- Filing a lawsuit in court.
Our Miami Cruise Ship Accidents Lawyers Will Advise You on Settlement Options
With legal help, you will feel confident in determining whether settlement is the right option for you. Our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA, will advise you throughout the process, so please contact us to schedule a free case evaluation. A Florida cruise ship accident attorney can explain details after reviewing your case.
