Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Lawyer in Miami

Cruise Ship Sexual Assault: Seek Justice and Get Support

Sexual assault and rape on cruises occur much more often than the news reports and statistics reflect. These are serious and devastating crimes that go mostly unreported and unprotected. The most frustrating part is that most rapes and sex assaults abroad ships are easily preventable had the cruise line not been negligent in the raining and supervision of its employees. For example, most rape and sex assaults occur on cruise ships due to circumstances created by the cruise line. From over serving alcohol to minors, to not doing proper background checks on crew members, to having inadequate security measures– the cruise line’s own negligence usually results or contributes to these on board incidents.

The cruise industry obviously has a vested interest in keeping such assaults quiet. If word got out about the lurking danger on these ships, it would be a black eye for the entire cruise industry. Bad publicity is not good for business. Moreover, once a rape or sex assault happens, the cruise ship owners want to limit their financial liability to victims who have the courage to report it and hire legal counsel. They would never admits it, but the cruise line will do everything they can to impede or derail a potential claim for rape or sexual assault against the cruise line. After all, it is a corporate for profit business and lawsuit payouts hurt the bottom line. Plaintiff lawyers like me who sue cruise lines in Miami and through the country for rape and sexual assault, have brought these issues to the public eye.

Congress finally took notice with the passage of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010 (Public Law 111-207). This was a good start and required the cruise lines to report certain offenses to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Rape and sex assault is typically under reported due to the stigma and fear many victims experience. Coupling that with the lack of incentive, or really the negative incentive for a cruise line in reporting such incidents due risk of lawsuits and bad press, it is believed scores of sexual assault incidents never see the the light of day. Lack of reporting is further amplified by the jurisdictional confusion for law enforcement agencies. The crimes are international incidents involving international victims and international culprits in international waters. For example, I handled a rape case against a Miami based cruise line on behalf of a young Canadian woman who was raped by a cabin attendant. Since she was not American, the FBI refused jurisdiction because the sex assault occurred in Bahamian waters. The cruise line had let the crew member off the ship with a ticket back to his home country somewhere in Asia.

Due to issues like this, Congress found that serious incidents, including sexual assault and the disappearance of passengers at sea, should be formally reported. Congress determined such dangerous events have occurred on cruise voyages with frequency and that passengers lack adequate understanding of their vulnerability to crime on board cruise vessels. Congress further found that inadequate resources are available to assist cruise vessel crime victims, and that detecting and investigating cruise vessel crimes is difficult. This is precisely why Miami cruise ship injury lawyers like myself must hold these cruise lines accountable in federal court for money damages for the victims. The cruise lines know full well of the dangers and fail to warn passengers or otherwise adequately take steps to prevent such horrific incidents from reoccurring.

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 (CVSSA) applies to any passenger vessel that is authorized to carry, and has onboard sleeping facilities for at least 250 passengers; that is not engaged in a coastwise voyage; and that embarks or disembarks passengers in the United States. This means it applies to all the major cruise lines like Carnival Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and other that depart out of Port Miami, Port Canaveral, Jax Port in Jacksonville, Port of Palm Beach, Port of Tampa and Port Everglades in Florida. In addition to much needed reporting requirements, the CVSSA provides new requirements for vessel design, public access to information about crime aboard cruise ships, provisions for emergency medical treatment, and crime prevention and criminal evidence gathering.

If you or someone you know has unfortunately fallen victim to a sex crime during a cruise voyage, you are not alone. It’s crucial to understand what to do to preserve your rights and to seek legal assistance with a real Miami cruise ship sexual assault lawyer whop can provide the legal support and guidance necessary to heal and jet justice. You can call us from the ship, that is how important it is to involve us right away before evidence disappears.

Why Sex Crime Victims Need a Miami Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Lawyer

Specialized Knowledge: Cruise ship sexual assault cases involve nuanced legal issues and maritime and international law. A skilled cruise accident attorney in Miami knows what to and what to expect from the other side.
Compassionate Support: We care and understand this is a sensitive issue for victims. Sexual assault victims often experience trauma and may feel isolated. A compassionate injury lawyer can offer emotional support and advocate for your well-being.
Strong Representation: We fight hard. Alex Perkins is a dedicated to his clients. He is a Miami personal injury attorney who has a reputation in the industry of never giving up. He will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf and seek justice for the harm you’ve suffered.
Confidentiality: Your privacy is paramount in these cases. We will file suit under a Jane or Jon Doe pseudonym and will never violate strict confidentiality throughout the legal process.

Perkins Law Offices: A Compassionate Lawyer You Can Trust

When choosing a Miami cruise ship sexual assault lawyer, consider Perkins Law Offices. Their team of experienced attorneys has a proven track record of successfully representing victims of sexual assault on cruise ships. With a commitment to justice and compassionate care, Perkins Law Offices can provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Conclusion

Perkins Personal Injury Lawyers has offices located in Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County. If you were raped or sexually assaulted or someone you know and care about was, please put them in touch with Mr. Perkins. Consultations are free and private. There are no fees unless we win money for your case. We can meet in person, on the phone, by video call or however you feel most comfortable in speaking with us. The best Miami cruise ship sexual assault lawyer for your case is someone you feel comfortable talking to and who has experience in dealing with these types of cases.

For more information, contact Perkins Law Offices today.

Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Lawyer Miami