Hurt in the Collision? What Passengers and Crew Should Know
On November 13, 2026, the tanker Atlantic Asphalt struck the American Heritage, an American Cruise Lines river cruise ship docked on the Mississippi River in New Orleans. Approximately 129 passengers and additional crew members were aboard when the collision happened. The ship tipped onto its side, and emergency crews helped get people off the vessel. Authorities are still investigating what caused the crash.
Passengers and crew who were injured may have questions about their legal rights, including who could be responsible and how long they have to file a claim. Latti Associates has represented both passengers and maritime workers in claims against American Cruise Lines, the company that operates the American Heritage.
Why Where You File Matters
If you were a passenger on the American Heritage, your rights are shaped by the ticket contract you accepted when you booked. American Cruise Lines’ passenger contract contains a forum selection clause requiring lawsuits to be brought in Connecticut, even though the collision happened in Louisiana and even if you live somewhere else entirely. Ticket contracts can also contain notice requirements and filing deadlines that are much shorter than the usual time limits for injury claims. Missing one of these deadlines, or filing in the wrong court, can put a claim at risk.
Crew members and other workers aboard the vessel may have different rights altogether. Depending on their job and employer, maritime workers may have claims under the Jones Act or general maritime law, including the right to maintenance and cure while they recover. These claims follow their own rules and deadlines.
What Rights Do Injured Passengers and Crew Have?
Federal maritime law generally applies to injuries aboard cruise ships. Passengers may have claims against parties whose negligence caused their injuries, while qualifying crew members may have rights under the Jones Act and general maritime law, including maintenance and cure.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the collision or who may be responsible. In the meantime, anyone injured aboard the American Heritage should keep their medical records, photographs, videos, ticket documents, and communications from American Cruise Lines. These could all be important if they decide to pursue a claim.
Latti Associates Has Handled Claims Against American Cruise Lines
For more than 60 years, Latti Associates has represented people injured on the water. The firm has handled cases involving both passengers and maritime workers, and American Cruise Lines is among the companies Latti Associates has pursued claims against.
If you or a family member was injured aboard the American Heritage, contact Latti Associates to discuss what happened. Our attorneys have handled claims against American Cruise Lines before and can review your ticket contract, explain any deadlines that may apply, and discuss your legal options.
