Miami Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer

Miami Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer: An Comprehensive Introduction to Cruise Ship Litigation

In 2023 alone, 31.5 milion people took a cruise. The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination, and North America is the largest cruise market. By 2028 the expected number of cruise passengers will increase by 10% with orderbooks for 56 new cruise vessels in that time.
Naturally with such a large number of passengers on these floating cities, it is not a stretch to estimate that thousands of injuries occur on cruise ships every year, including those that are result of cruise line negligence. It is impossible to know the exact number of injuries the cruise lines caused or contributed to since such statistics are not kept and are subject to interpretation. However, Congress has required the cruise lines to report certain types of crimes to the FBI since 2010 with the passage of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act. The Department of Transportation recently released troubling statistics which show in 2022 there were 89 rapes/sexual assaults on cruises and in 2023 that number rose to 131 incidents. There were also a large number of altercations leading to injury. One can extrapolate from the number sexual assaults and altercations that occur during a voyage, that the cruise organizations are either creating or allowing for dangerous circumstances to exist that are preventable by the use of ordinary care. This is why cruise ship litigation is necessary to help victims receive some form of justice.
While nobody goes on a dream cruise vacation expecting to be injured, cruise ship accidents do happen frequently and can leave passengers dealing with life-long injuries, confusion, and mounting expenses. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, you are not alone. This guide is to assist you in understanding if you have cruise ship accident case that may be viable and worth speaking to a specialized lawyer who can help you obtain justice in the form of financial compensation. Alex Perkins is rated among the best injury lawyers in Miami and his firm has helped dozens of cruise injury victims, including rape and sex assault survivors.

Understanding Cruise Ship Accidents

What Are Cruise Ship Accidents?

When we are talking about cruise ship accidents and injuries, we are referring to any incident that happens to Cruise ship passenger during their voyage.  Accidents refer to incidents or events that occur aboard a cruise vessel during a voyage or during a cruise-related excursion.

This can include an actual crash involving the cruise ship which is rare, but most often we are referring to things that may happen during the cruise that result in an injury to a passenger. These can include slip-and-fall injuries, trip and falls, falls on gangways or unlevel floors or steps, pool drownings, fights, sexual assaults and rape, illness and food poisoning outbreaks, norovirus and legionnaires, equipment failures, smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide poisoning seaworthiness, shipboard medical negligence, falling overboard, falling objects, inadquate lighting, negligent maintenance, and homicide.

Accidents on cruise ships often stem from:

  • Wet or slippery floors
  • Poorly maintained equipment
  • Unlevel floors
  • Inadequate safety measures during activities
  • Slippery stairs
  • Negligent security
  • Medical Negligence
  • Negligence by the cruise line or its staff

Risks Unique to Cruise Ship Environments

Unlike accidents on land, cruise ship injuries come with unique risks and laws. Passengers might be far from immediate medical help or may have to navigate jurisdictional challenges when seeking compensation or reporting crimes or incidents to law enforcement. Cruise ships operate in international waters, and are flagged under different countries. The crew and passengers come from all over the world. This can complicate legal claims and the laws that may apply. Additionally, the cruise line has total control of the accident or crime scene as well as total control over crew members, making it harder to gather and preserve evidence and witness testimony. Antiquated laws and contractual language limiting passenger rights and remedies and favoring cruise lines, can put cruise passengers in a challenging position. But fortunately, avenues of recovery do exist for passengers to be able to collect money damages. Miami cruise ship accident lawyers work on contingency, meaning you do not have to pay the maritime law firm any upfront fees out of your own pocket and you owe nothing unless the lawyer recovers money for your claim. If the lawyer is successful in recovery money for your injury, the lawyer is entitled to a percentage of what is recovered so there is no risk of cost to the client.
Cruise ships operate like floating cities, offering countless activities but also exposing passengers to numerous risks. Common incidents include:

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Wet decks, uneven surfaces, and poorly maintained stairs are frequent culprits of serious injuries. Cruise lines are obligated to maintain safe conditions and can be held liable for failing to do so.

Medical Malpractice

Inadequate medical facilities or negligent onboard medical staff can exacerbate injuries or illnesses.

Excursion Accidents

From snorkeling mishaps to zip-lining failures, injuries during shore excursions often stem from poor safety protocols or inadequate warnings.

Sexual Assault and Violence

Cruise ships have been criticized for insufficient measures to prevent sexual assaults. Victims deserve justice, and our team handles these sensitive cases with discretion and expertise.

Injuries Caused by Crew Members

Miami Cruise Ship Lawyer. Although cruise ship crew members are there to work diligently to ensure passengers have a pleasant voyage, sometimes the unthinkable happens and they can be the perpetrators of assaults or accidents. To avoid this, guests should follow common sense safety measures such as locking away valuables, not answering the cabin door to strangers and drinking responsibly. By staying cautious, following safety guidelines, and promptly reporting any accidents or illnesses, you can enhance your safety and enjoyment during your cruise adventure. Additionally, understanding your legal rights under maritime law and the ship owner’s duty of care can be invaluable in the event of an injury, ensuring you can seek appropriate compensation.

Navigating Maritime Laws for Cruise Ship Injury Claims

What Are Maritime Laws?

Maritime laws, also known as admiralty laws, govern incidents that occur on navigable waters, including cruise ships. These laws are distinct from standard personal injury laws and require specialized legal knowledge. The maritime laws can be severely limiting in wrongful death claims if the death happens more than 3 miles from U.S. waters as it would be governed by DOHSA as discussed later below. However, most cruise ship injury cases can be brough in Miami, FL, followed by Los Angeles, California and Seattle, Washington. 

Jurisdictional Issues Filing a Cruise Ship Claim

Determining where to file a lawsuit can be tricky. Cruise lines often specify jurisdiction, venue and applicable law to followed in the fine print of your ticket contract which is usually bough online nowadays. These forum selection clauses and choice of law provisions in the terms and conditions of the ticket purchase documentation are enforceable and must be adhered to. They will apply to all travelers in your party whether they actually used their own money to pay for the ticket or not.  Lawsuits against cruise lines typically need to be filed in a specific federal court outlined in the ticket purchase package. The majority of cruise line ticket provisions require lawsuits involving the major cruise lines be filed in federal court in Miami, Los Angeles or Seattle. You will need to have your injury lawyer look at the terms and conditions of your ticket purchase to confirm the proper venue and forum where your lawsuit must be filed.

Statutes of Limitations and Notice Requirements

In most cases, cruise lines require passengers to report injuries within a short timeframe—often as little as six months. This is often referred to as a bill of particulars, but it is essentially just a letter putting the cruise line on notice that a claim will be made for a passenger. Filing deadlines for lawsuits are usually limited to one year, far shorter than standard personal injury cases which mostly have a two-year statute of limitations. In other words, the cruise ship injury lawsuit must be commenced within a year of the incident. This short statute of limitations is likewise found in the fine print of your ticket contract and is an unsuspecting trap for lawyers unfamiliar with handling cruise ship cases. If the lawsuit is not commenced within one year of the incident your lawsuit will be barred and if you attempt to file it past that deadline it will be dismissed by the judge. The best cruise ship injury lawyers know all of the deadlines, traps and tricks lurking in cruise ship litigation which is why you should consult Perkins Law Offices before trying to represent yourself or hiring a personal injury who does not practice cruise ship injury law. 

Types of Cruise Ship Accidents and Injuries

Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents are the most common on cruise ships. Spilled drinks, wet pool decks, slippery and unstable gangways, uneven flooring, and improper cleaning and maintenance can all lead to serious fall injuries and even death. Recent studies with information extracted from level one trauma centers who have record of cruise related admissions indicate lower extremity injuries to elderly people are the most common serious injuries.  We have handled numerous broken femurs, broken hips, broken pelvic bones, and fractures ankles, tibias and fibulas due to slip and falls and trip and falls. The lido decks are always slippery and the cruise line should have crew watching for wet floors.

Defective Equipment

Another source of injury to cruise passengers can be defective equipment anywhere on the ship. From faulty gym equipment, to loose handrails in a bathroom, to leaky ice machines, to breakdowns, explosions or fires of mechanical equipment.  Cruise ships are in constant use and exposed to the elements. Parts deteriorate and get worn out or break requiring the cruise line to inspect and maintain the ship at regular intervals with properly trained crew. Explosions, fires and smoke due of mechanical and engine issues can also happen, injuring crew and passengers alike.

Dangerous Activities and Excursions

The cruise companies offer fun activities for passengers both on the ship and off the ship in the form of excursions booked through the cruise line. The cruise lines plan kid’s games and activities, live shows, and contests throughout the cruise that can lead to injuries. For example, we have seen passengers injured falling down steps in a dark theatre room when the entertainment called for audience participation and running up to the stage. We have also seen injury during a cruise planned capture the flag game, children hurt in the kids day care center, and of course using the FlowRider wave surfing machine. 

Even more dangerous are off boat excursions where disasters happen doing dangerous activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and adventure activities like zip-lining, visiting volcanoes, riding horses and ATV’s. Just driving on narrow roads can also pose risks if not properly managed with responsible vendors contracted by the cruise line. Suing for excursion injuries or deaths may be limited due to case law precedent and disclaimers that protect cruise lines from the negligence of their contractors. However, there are certain factors that may allow for the cruise line to be held liable for serious injuries and deaths during shore excursions.

Cruise Ship Medical Malpractice

Medical staff aboard cruise ships may not meet the same standards as land-based professionals. Very rarely are the doctors on the ship actually from accredited medical schools in the United States. Misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or improper care can cause or worsen injuries or lead to death. Failing to transfer patients to in timely or orderly fashion from the ship to an onshore facility can be disastrous, turning an easily treatable condition into permanent disability or death sentence. For example, we have seen cases where the cruise line knew the passenger needed a blood transfusion and instead of calling for an air lift or turning the ship back to the nearest port, it continued on to the next remote port and then put the passenger in the flatbed pick-up truck for a long drive through mountainous terrain for hours where he ultimately expired. This was negligence by the ship’s medical director and captain. 

Assaults and Criminal Acts on Cruise Ships

Sadly, criminal acts causing physical and emotional harm such as sex assaults and rape can occur on cruise ships as well as altercations. Cruise lines have a duty to provide adequate security and a safe environment to protect passengers, especially knowing that alcohol is widely consumed and available. The cruise line can be held strictly liable for intentional acts of crew members who injure or assault passengers. This is one area of maritime law that actually favors passengers as most laws are draconian and antiquated in favor of the cruise industry. Alex Perkins handles cruise ship rape cases which can be lead to high settlement payouts for victims. For example, if a crew member commits the rape or sexual assault against a passenger, the cruise line can be held strictly liable for that crew members conduct.

Why Injured Victims Need a Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer

Complexities of Maritime and Admiralty Law: Cruise Injury Lawyers Are 

Maritime law is notoriously complicated and set up to favor the cruise lines in many respects. Maritime laws are antiquated and punishing to those who bring claims. The federal courts judges who preside over most cruise passenger injury cases can also be unforgiving to plaintiffs in personal injury cases. Even the best personal injury lawyers struggle with case law precedent and tough judges who are seemingly all too eager to dismiss injury cases from their dockets.  There are a number of pitfalls which can derail a cruise ship accident case before it gets to the merits.  A lawyer experienced in this field will help you navigate the nuances and fight for the compensation you deserve. There are many personal injury lawyers but not all are equipped or have the knowledge to handle a cruise ship accident case. Your lawyer must be admitted to the Federal Courts of the applicable state cited in the ticket provision in order to be able to file the lawsuit and litigate.  

Challenges of Filing Claims Against Major Cruise Lines

Cruise lines have in house lawyers and experienced outside legal teams. They will expend vast resources to defend claims to the end. The cruise lines and their lawyers often use underhanded tactics to gain advantages in litigation. A big advantage for the cruise line is that they control the flow of information on the ship. They will be reluctant to turn over any evidence or witnesses voluntarily and without court intervention. You can forget about getting cooperation without a lawsuit. They is no mechanism that requires the cruise line to cooperate with Plaintiffs’ counsel or an injured passenger. In cases involving criminal conduct that leads to injury or death to a passenger, you better believe the cruise line will feign cooperation, but behind the scenes it will impede liability investigations that implicate any wrong doing on the part of the cruise line. Expect defense lawyers for the cruise line to try to blame the victim for the injury while they if distance themselves from any active culpability.  Without an experienced cruise ship accident lawyer, you may struggle to maintain the lawsuit in Court, prove negligence, obtain discovery or be able to negotiate a fair settlement.

Benefits of Hiring a Specialized Cruise Ship Attorney in Miami

Most cruise passenger injury cases must be filed in federal court in Miami, Los Angeles or Seattle because the cruise lines have forum selection and venue clauses in their ticket contract terms and conditions. Cruises in the Caribbean Sea are the most popular and most touch a Florida port. Therefore, it is no coincidence that the major cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Holland America and Royal Caribbean Lines (RCL) are headquartered or have offices in Miami and require lawsuits to be brought there in the United Stated District Court for the Southern District of Florida. If you were injured on a cruise and are wondering to yourself “who is the best cruise ship injury lawyer?” you should start your search in Miami. A Miami based personal injury attorney will have his or hands wet so to speak with active claims and will be aware of all the tricks, traps and procedures that must followed. Even the best Miami cruise ship injury lawyer will have their hand’s full dealing with conservative federal judges and antiquated maritime laws. Injured victims will definitely be better served with a Florida cruise ship lawyer as not all personal injury lawyers are the best for a cruise ship case. Your lawyer know the rules of the road must also be admitted to practice in federal court in the Southern or Middle District of Florida which remain the hotbed for cruise ship litigation in the country. From gathering evidence to representing you in court, a cruise ship attorney can handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery from the injury or devastation to your family.

Steps to Take After a Cruise Ship Injury

Documenting the Incident Scene and Physical Injuries

Take photos and video of the scene and your injuries especially if the condition is transient like a wet floor, or worn-out anti-skid tape on nosing of step that the cruise line may clean or alter right away. In a slip and fall scenario on wet floor be cognizant of wet floor signs that were displayed in the area after your fall that were not there before. Take note of any CCTV cameras in the area that may have captured the incident.  Continue to photograph the scene during the remainder of the voyage if you can as well as the progression of your injuries. For example, if you get a cast, take a picture. When the cast is being taken off, take more. Take photos in the hospital and at physical therapy.

If the injury was a result of criminal conduct, you will also want to memorialize the scene with photos from all angles and perspectives. You should report the crime to law enforcement agencies that may have jurisdiction depending where the ship is and the incident happened. You must report all incidents to ship which security so there is no doubt or dispute that something happened during the cruise. 

But beware of making statements to ship security or even medical staff that even remotely tend to blame yourself because that later can and will be used against you during the claim or lawsuit.  Cruise medical staff is trained to get info from passengers having to do with comparative negligence not just treating the injury. 

In cases involving rape or other crimes we have seen ship security try to confiscate the victim’s cell phone and other belongings. Be sure to hang on to your devices or try to save or forward photos to a trusted friend or to yourself if you cannot avoid confiscation. Try to get copies of all reports and medical records while you are still on the ship if possible.  

Preserve all evidence including footwear and clothing. If you are a victim of a sex crime, request rape kit preserve DNA evidence on your body and belongings.

Collecting witness contact information is vital and may make or break your case. Most people are good natured and will want to help injured passengers months down the road. Be sure to exchange phone numbers, addresses and emails so your cruise ship accident lawyer can track them down later.

Providing Timely Written Notice to the Cruise Line

The ticket contract requires written notice to the cruise line within 6 months of the incident detailing particulars of the incident that led to injury. This 6-month notice letter should prepared by your cruise ship injury lawyer. But if the deadline is approaching and for some reason you have not yet retained counsel, send a letter or email toa proper business address (retaining proof of sending) before that deadline putting the cruise line on notice of the injury and incident. Be sure to notify the cruise line of your injury in writing within the required timeframe, as specified in your ticket agreement because if you fail to do so, your claim can be subject to dismissal. This must be done in addition to what you may have reported on the ship, so you may not rely on the incident report as the notice letter. Most lawsuits against the cruise lines must be commenced within one year of the incident or it will be forever barred. A cruise line may trick you into thinking they will settle the claim with you, only to let a year pass by with just talk, and suddenly you are left with no recourse and the statute of limitations has passed.

Consult an Experienced Maritime Lawyer for Confidential Meeting ASAP

Do not delay in seeking seek legal advice from a Miami cruise ship injury lawyer. Evidence disappears, and memories fade. It costs nothing for an injured passenger to get free consultation with a cruise accident lawyer. So even if you are unsure about moving forward or whether you may have a claim or not, it cannot hurt to make that call or send an email. You can call a lawyer even if you are still on the ship and need to get advice on how to proceed or how to best report the incident. The sooner you consult a lawyer, the stronger your case likely will be. Call us or email us if you are still on the ship and need help. 

Cruise Ship Operator’s Duty of Care   |   Legal Duty Under Maritime Law for Cruise Lines

Cruise lines that leave from U.S. waters are also known as common carriers. As a common carrier, the owner or entity that is controlling the ship will be held to a duty of ordinary care with respect to the passengers on the vessel. Cruise lines are required to provide a reasonably safe environment for passengers and to get them where they are going without harm. Under the Shipping Act of 1984, 46 U.S.C. §1702(6), common carriers owe their passengers a heightened duty of care to protect them from physical harm and ensuring that the passengers arrive at their destinations safely. This special duty includes protections from actions of the crew members if the passenger is assaulted or raped by an employee of the ship. 

Common Examples of Cruise Line Negligence

Negligence is the failure to use due care that causes an injury to a passenger. There are countless ways that a cruise line may be negligent through its employees and agents that lead to injury or death of passengers. Obviously failing to clean up spills or following safety standards can lead to injury. But also creating or allowing for dangerous environments can lead to intentional acts committed by third parties that easily could have been prevented by the cruise line had they not been careless. For example, foreseeable events include negligent hiring, training and retention of crew members who over serve alcohol leading to fights and sexual assault or inadequate security may allow for such incidents to occur.

Vicarious Strict Liability for Crew Member Intentional Acts

In some cases, cruise lines can be held responsible for the actions of their employees or even other passengers if they created a dangerous environment that led to an assault. A cruise line may be strictly liable for harm caused by crew members who intentionally batter or sexually assault a passenger. Cruise ship rapes and sexual assault happen with frequency. There are over 100 such incidents reported to the FBI per year in ships that involve a U.S. port. This means that there are probably hundreds more that never get reported by the victim or cruise line employees who are supposed to self-report. If you have been sexually assaulted by a crew member you are not alone. You should contact us and we will be happy to meet privately with you. We can pursue a claim on your behalf without ever using your real name. We can use a pseudonym to protect your identity from public disclosure. 

Pursuing Compensation for Cruise Ship Injuries   |   Types of Recoverable Damages

Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering. Pain and suffering can be the most compelling part of a cruise injury case if the medical bills have been handled through health insurance with no right of subrogation.  In Florida, elements of pain and suffering include mental anguish, lost capacity for enjoyment of life, scarring, disfigurement, and inconvenience. 

Most cruise ship injury cases involving Florida, California or Washington State choice of law will be similar to state court type of damages. However, when someone dies in international waters more than 3 miles out form US navigable waters, under a draconian maritime law called the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), compensation is severely limited to pecuniary losses of the decedent. This means no pain and suffering dollars can be recovered on behalf surviving family members who sue for damages but rather what the decedent would have earned during the remainder of life. Imagine how limiting this is if a child, retired person, or unemployable passenger died at sea. 

Overcoming Contractual Waivers and Limitations

Cruise ticket contracts often include waivers that attempt to limit the cruise line’s liability. This especially true when it comes to excursion injuries.  Passengers also sign additional paperwork when doing other cruise related activities that may contain liability waivers and disclaimers.  An experienced lawyer can determine if challenges can be made to certain of these clauses or disclaimers. Perkins Law Offices has successfully circumvented disclaimers that may have been ambiguous or against public policy.

Experienced Cruise Ship Attorneys Are Necessary To Make A Financial Recovery

Representing Injured Passengers and Crew Members

A skilled attorney can advocate for injured passengers and crew members under the Jones Act. Compensation is always maximized by hiring a lawyer who can properly prosecute the action and evaluate the damages.

Investigating Claims and Gathering Evidence

Your lawyer will gather crucial evidence, such as maintenance records, incident reports, and witness statements, to build a strong case.

Preparing for Negotiations or Trial

Whether your case settles out of court or goes to trial, an experienced attorney will handle all legal proceedings on your behalf. No need to worry about the paperwork or complicated legal documents. Your cruise injury lawyer’s duty is to review the papers so you don’t have to. A good cruise ship injury lawyer in Miami will explain your rights and options every step of the way so it is easy to understand.

Miami Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer

Why should you choose Perkins Law Offices for your cruise ship injury cases?

Choosing the right legal representation for a cruise ship injury case is crucial. Here’s why you might consider Perkins Law Offices:

Expertise in Maritime Personal Injury Cases

With decades of experience, Perkins Law Offices has a deep understanding of maritime law and cruise ship injury claims.

Track Record of Success Against Major Cruise Lines

This injury firm has successfully represented clients from all over the world in cases against cruise industry giants, securing significant settlements and verdicts. We have litigated against Carnival Cruise Lines,  Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Celebrity Cruises among others.

Commitment to Maximizing Client Compensation

At Perkins Law Offices, clients are treated like family with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes. Clients will always have access to their lawyer at Perkins Law Offices. You can speak to the lawyer directly with no middle men. We are your partner in the case. You will not be treated like a number because we know your cruise ship injury claim is important to you and how your life has been affected. Your injury case is likewise important to us. We will advise you properly along the way and will not sugar coat hard truths, and we will get you the best results we can.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Ship Accident Claims

How Long Do I Have to File a Cruise Ship Injury Claim or Lawsuit?

Most injury and death passenger claims must be filed in the appropriate Court of jurisdiction within one year of the incident or it will be forever barred. But before suit can be even be filed there is also a written notice requirement that must be given the cruise line within 6 months after the incident outlining the particulars of the claim. It is best to consult a lawyer immediately to ensure compliance with all applicable deadlines. Failure to strictly adhere to deadlines and the notice requirements can result in dismissal of the lawsuit by the Court.

What If My Injury Happened in International Waters?

Federal maritime laws still apply, but jurisdiction and applicable laws may vary depending on the cruise line and ports of call visited. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process after the facts of the case are analyzed. Generally, for injury claims arising out of cruise voyages between U.S. ports or that involve a U.S. port and a foreign port, in particular for cruise lines based in Miami, Florida maritime laws will apply. This is because most cruise line tickets have forum selection clauses and choice of law provisions setting forth case must be filed in Florida venues and Florida law will be applied. Courts have held that to be enforceable, forum selection clauses and choice of law provisions in cruise tickets or brochures must be fundamentally fair. Fundamental fairness means (1) that the forum was not selected to discourage pursuit of legitimate claims, (2) there was no fraud or overreaching, (3) the notice of the forum selected was adequate, and (4) the consumer had a reasonable opportunity to reject the cruise contract without penalty.

Can I Sue a Cruise Line for Medical Negligence?

Yes, you can sue a cruise line for medical malpractice committed by its medical staff.  A cruise line can be held accountable for the negligence of its ship’s doctors as well as nurses and physicians’ assistants. Many of the crew doctors are not even qualified to practice medicine in the United States, with medical licenses from foreign countries.  Often times medical staff’s negligence cause or worsen a condition that could have been prevented with proper treatment within the medical standard of care.  A cruise line medical malpractice lawyer will assess your claim to determine if the standard of care was breach by the ship’s doctor and was the cause of the injury, condition or fatality.

Contact an Experienced Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Today

It’s easy to get in touch with us to see if you have a viable case against the cruise lines. Consultations are free and we do not charge any fees unless we recover money for you  you’ve been injured on a cruise ship, don’t face the legal complexities alone. Contact Perkins Law Offices for a free consultation and let their expertise work for you.

Conclusion

Perkins Law Offices has been handling cruise ship injury, rape and wrongful death cases for 25 years. Even a simple slip and fall on a cruise ship can lead to life-changing injuries that require litigation in order to obtain justice in the form of money damages. There can be many dangers on cruises that unsuspecting passengers would not expect but that the cruise operator can foresee and prevent. It is imperative that cruise lines be held accountable, not only to obtain compensation for damages to injured travelers who deserve it, but also to make things safer for future travelers. The cruise line, as a common carrier, has a duty to its passengers to maintain the ship in good condition and to get passengers to their destination safe and sound.  

To be sure, the cruise line is industry is big business. Many are publicly traded companies. The bottom line is the top priority for any corporation so you can expect them to expend resources to vigorously defend injury cases. This is why injured passengers and victims need competent counsel to best represent their interests against these bohemoths.  Whether you’re dealing with negligent maintenance of a slippery pool deck, inadequate safety and security measures, defective equipment, medical malpractice on a cruise ship or mishaps during shore excursions, having a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer to protect your rights and claims is the only way to receive financial compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured or died on a cruise ship, consulting an experienced maritime attorney will be the deciding factor of whether you can collect compensation you deserve. Perkins Law Offices in Miami is experienced in cruise ship litigation and dedicated to helping victims of cruise ship injuries. Please call or text us at 305-741-5297 or visit our website perkinslawoffices.com or email perkins@perkinslawoffices.com.

What Should You Do If You’re Injured On A Cruise Ship?

It’s crucial to know what steps to take if you’re injured. If you’ve experienced a cruise ship passenger accident injury in Miami, FL, follow these critical steps to protect your health and legal rights:

  • Seek immediate medical attention onboard the ship.
  • Report the accident to cruise ship staff and request an official accident report.
  • Document the scene by taking photos or videos and gathering contact information from witnesses.
  • Consult a cruise ship accident lawyer to understand your legal options and the timeframe for filing a claim.

For those who have suffered a cruise ship injury in Miami or anywhere else, getting prompt legal help from a specialized cruise ship injury attorney in Florida—such as the team at Perkins Law Offices—is essential to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation. More details on what to do below:

If you’ve been injured on a cruise ship, your health and well-being should be your top priority. Contact the ship’s medical staff and seek medical attention immediately. Cruise ships are equipped with medical facilities to address various health issues. Make sure you document your injuries and any medical treatment you receive. This way the cruise line cannot easily dispute the incident occurred on their watch or that you were not seriously injured. You may made need to be urgently disembarked from the cruise ship to be transferred to a higher level of medical care on land. Sometimes transfers via airlift are a medical necessity which can be expensive but life saving.
It’s crucial to report the incident to the ship’s crew or security officers to ensure there is an incident report. Provide an account of how the injury occurred and do not blame yourself keeping in mind the report can be used against you at a later time. Request a copy of your statement. They may not give you a copy but you should ask. Also try not allow for someone else like a crew member change your statement about details of what happened. This documentation can be essential if you decide to pursue a legal claim and the cruise line knows this. It may try to get you to admit things that are not true or that do not help you bring a personal injury case down the road.
To support your potential claim, gather as much evidence as possible. Take video and photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazards that may have contributed to the accident. If there were any witnesses, collect their names and contact information.
Typically, the Passenger Ticket Contract, which outlines the terms and conditions of your cruise, will have specific requirements for providing formal notice of your intent to bring a personal injury claim. Failure to adhere to these requirements can affect your ability to seek compensation or bring a lawsuit. You should hire a cruise ship injury lawyer to prepare the 6 month notice letter. The best cruise ship injury lawyers in Miami are familiar with all the tricks and traps that the cruise lines set for unsuspecting passengers who bring injury claims.
Seeking legal advice from an experienced cruise ship accident lawyer is crucial. Cruise ship injury cases are complex and often governed by maritime laws and regulations. If you are asking yourself who is the best cruise ship injury attorney in Miami, you are asking the right questions because cruise ship injury cases are unique to Miami. A Miami lawyer who specializes in cruise ship injury cases will know how to litigate against the cruise lines and will explain your rights, guide you through the legal process, and ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines and requirements.
Miami Cruise ship Injury Lawyers will do their best to help you preserve any evidence related to the incident. For example in a slip and fall, the lawyer will ask you to preserve the shoes you were wearing because inevitable the cruise line will try to blame you for wearing flip flops, sandals, wedges, high heals, platform shoes, strap shoes, or worn out shoes that are not anti-skid. In a cruise ship rape they will deny the incident occurred or blame the vitiate for drinking alcohol or doing drugs. Requesting a rape kit and preserving torn clothes, photographing bruises and scratches and saving text messages is invaluable in a rape or sex assault case against cruise line. Any documentation, photographs, medical records, and your written account of the events are helpful because memories can fade. Your Miami cruise ship accident lawyer at Perkins Personal Injury Lawyers will rely on this evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can explain your legal rights and help you determine if you have a valid claim for compensation. Cruise lines have a duty of care to their passengers, and if they are negligent in maintaining a safe environment, or intentionally contribute to your harm, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
If you decide to pursue a legal claim with Perkins Personal Injury lawyers based in Miami, we will ensure all deadlines for filing a claim or lawsuit are met. These can be confusing if you do not know the applicable laws. A cruise ship injury lawyer will assist you in meeting all necessary requirements and ensuring your claim is filed in the correct venue and within the specified timeframes. Injuries on a cruise ship can be both physically and emotionally distressing. Hiring a cruise injury lawyer in Miami will help ensure that you receive the necessary medical attention, preserve vital evidence, and protect your rights. The best cruise ship injury lawyers are in Miami because this is where most cruise ship rape and injury cases must be filed. Consulting with a cruise ship accident lawyer is the first step seeking compensation and holding the responsible parties accountable for your injuries.

The Major Cruise Lines We Sue

Perkins Personal Injury Lawyers has successfully litigated against many of the largest cruise lines in the world. We can sue for slip and falls, rape and sexual assault, medical negligence, outbreaks of legionnaires and food bourn illnesses, fights, overseeing alcohol, overboard incidents, unseaworthiness, fires, foreign objects in food, Jones Act, maintenance and cure and other types of injuries during a voyage.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line

Princess Cruises

Disney Cruise Line

Azamara Cruise Line

Crystal Cruises

Cunard Line

Seabourn Cruise Line

Virgin Voyages

Oceania Cruises

Holland America Line

Island Queen Cruises

Viking Cruises

Silversea Cruises

Margaritaville At Sea

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Alex Perkins Top Rated Miami Personal Injury Lawyer

Don’t let a cruise line’s negligence derail your life. Contact Perkins Law Offices today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of maritime law and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Attorney Alex Perkins has been a personal injury lawyer for over 20+ years, and has handled just about every type of personal injury cases. If you or a loved one was injured as a result of someone else’s negligent or intentional acts, call Attorney Alex Perkins at 305-741-5297 or email him at perkins@perkinslawoffices.com for a free confidential case review.