Miami, FL asked in Admiralty / Maritime for Florida

Q: What are international waters? Can I just pick a country to file an injury claim in if I'm injured in them?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
Answered
  • Freeeport, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: No, I believe you would file a claim in the country in which the ocean vessel (assuming there is a vessel involved) is registered.

Gordon Charles Webb
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Answered
  • Maritime Law Lawyer
  • Seattle, WA

A: To answer the first part, international waters are the areas of the sea that are not under the jurisdiction of any country. So If you were a paying passenger on a cruise ship in such waters, look at your contract of carriage (ticket) and there should be a forum selection clause that tells you were you must file suit. If you were employed on the ship, look at your employment contract for a similar clause.

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