For over half a century, InternetLawyers.net, based in Miami, Florida, has stood as a beacon for justice, fiercely advocating for cruise ship passengers and crew members injured due to negligence at sea. As the nation’s preeminent Cruise Ship Lawyer specialists, our unwavering dedication is to ensure our clients receive the full compensation they deserve. From our Miami headquarters to our seven offices across the nation, our team of 15 seasoned attorneys brings unparalleled legal prowess, recognized by accolades such as “Best Law Firms”® by US News & World Report since 2016 and “Best Lawyers”® distinctions for five of our attorneys. We have a proven track record, securing over $450 million for our clients since 1971.
Navigating the complexities of a cruise ship injury claim can feel overwhelming, whether you are a passenger or crew member. InternetLawyers.net simplifies this process, offering expert guidance and robust representation. Our exceptional success rate speaks volumes, instilling confidence that we can help you and your family achieve a favorable outcome.
Our attorneys are frequently sought after by national news outlets and talk shows to lend their maritime expertise. Our firm’s founder, Charles Lipcon, is a trailblazer in maritime law, having successfully litigated landmark cases that have reshaped legal precedents in this field.
Continue reading to understand why a Miami-based maritime lawyer is indispensable after a cruise ship accident and how we can assist you in obtaining the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and let our experience work for you.
Why Miami Expertise Matters When Choosing a Cruise Ship Lawyer
Miami, Florida, is the epicenter of the cruise industry, home to the headquarters of most major cruise lines. Consequently, these companies often stipulate Miami as the mandatory jurisdiction for legal disputes in their passenger ticket contracts. This strategic choice by cruise lines is precisely why InternetLawyers.net strategically established its headquarters in Miami. While some cruise lines mandate litigation in California or Washington state, our firm’s attorneys are also licensed in these states, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Regrettably, many passengers, unaware of or disregarding these forum selection clauses, have had their lawsuits dismissed for being filed in the wrong jurisdiction, effectively forfeiting their right to compensation. These unfortunate scenarios underscore the critical importance of engaging experienced maritime accident lawyers. A skilled cruise ship lawyer possesses not only the requisite legal acumen but also the resources to effectively initiate and litigate claims against major cruise lines in the correct jurisdiction.
InternetLawyers.net routinely handles claims against a wide array of cruise lines, including:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean International
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
- Princess Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
This list is representative and not exhaustive. Our expertise extends to litigating claims against third-party vendors frequently contracted by cruise lines, such as Starboard Cruise Services, a major onboard retailer. Regardless of the circumstances of your injury or the responsible party, consulting with a maritime accident lawyer at InternetLawyers.net is crucial. We offer expert case evaluations from our Miami, Florida headquarters or any of our seven offices nationwide, helping you understand your legal options and the best path forward.
The InternetLawyers.net Advantage: Why We Stand Out as Your Cruise Ship Lawyer
At InternetLawyers.net, our commitment is singular: to secure just compensation for cruise ship injury victims. We operate with the highest ethical standards, evidenced by our AV-rating, ensuring your rights are vigorously protected. Our firm’s successful recovery of over $450 million for our clients, many of whom were cruise ship passengers, is a testament to our effectiveness. This proven track record and long-standing dedication distinguish InternetLawyers.net from other firms. Our success is built upon a team of maritime lawyers with the skill, experience, and unwavering resolve necessary to litigate each case effectively.
Our clients value the assurance that comes from working with attorneys deeply versed in the intricate laws and regulations governing their cases. The depth of knowledge our cruise ship lawyers possess is further validated by their frequent appearances in the media as authoritative voices on maritime law. As accident victims understand, an experienced lawyer is paramount to achieving a favorable resolution. Choosing InternetLawyers.net means choosing a team equipped to navigate the complexities of maritime law and fight for your best interests.
Strategic Locations Across the Nation, Global Reach
InternetLawyers.net boasts a network of offices strategically positioned across the United States to effectively manage maritime and cruise ship accident cases nationwide. Given the international nature of maritime law, our reach extends globally. We have successfully resolved cases worldwide, offering unparalleled advocacy to cruise passengers and crew injured anywhere.
Our Miami, Florida headquarters, established in 1971, is strategically located in what is often called the “cruise ship capital of the world.” Our other office locations are in key port cities and jurisdictions where many cruise ship cases are mandated to be filed, based on passenger ticket contracts.
The specificity of maritime and admiralty law necessitates engaging an attorney with specialized experience in this field if you have been involved in a cruise ship accident.
When you choose InternetLawyers.net, you are partnering with a firm that includes five “Best Lawyers”®, including our founder, Charles R. Lipcon, recognized as “Lawyer of the Year”® in Admiralty & Maritime for 2020 by US News & World Report.
Our primary locations for filing cases and representing clients include:
- Miami, Florida
- Seattle, Washington
- Los Angeles, California
- New York, New York
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- Puerto Rico
Due to the complex and often international elements of admiralty and maritime law, the litigation venue for your case may vary. Contact us for a consultation to receive case-specific guidance.
Cruise Ship Accidents What to Do
Essential Knowledge for Every Cruise Ship Passenger: Insights from a Cruise Ship Lawyer
Many embarking on a cruise vacation do not anticipate potential mishaps. While most cruises are incident-free, it is prudent to be aware of key considerations, as advised by an experienced cruise ship lawyer, in case the unexpected occurs at sea.
The Cruise Ticket: Fine Print Matters
Your cruise ticket, often a lengthy document with small print, is crucial. Read it carefully. It outlines significant rights. If illness or injury arises due to the cruise line’s fault, a lawsuit must be initiated within one year. This critical clause is often overlooked, even by legal professionals. Missing this deadline can be detrimental to your claim. Limited exceptions exist, but are rare.
Navigating Applicable Law: Beyond U.S. Borders
While on a cruise, remember you are not necessarily under U.S. jurisdiction. Observe the ship’s flag. A Bahamian flag signifies Bahamian jurisdiction; a Panamanian flag, Panamanian jurisdiction. While exceptions exist, this generally holds true.
Medical Care Onboard: Proceed with Caution
The ship’s doctor, despite appearances, may not meet onshore medical standards. If you have pre-existing conditions, research the cruise line’s medical facilities. For serious conditions, ensure the ship’s medical capabilities are adequate.
Crime at Sea: Awareness and Prevention
Crimes occur on cruise ships, similar to land. Be vigilant. Theft, assault, and other crimes can happen. Supervise children at all times, ensuring they are never alone. Sexual assaults, including against young children, are a grim reality. Secure your cabin, and be cautious when opening your door to strangers. Safety should never be taken for granted.
In Case of Incident: Protect Yourself First. Cruise lines prioritize self-protection post-incident. They may gather evidence against you, including accident statement forms designed to elicit responses detrimental to your claim. Protect yourself by documenting the scene with photos, gathering witness information, and immediately contacting a maritime attorney to guide your next steps.
Jurisdiction for Lawsuits: The Forum Selection Clause
Cruise tickets often specify the jurisdiction for lawsuits, commonly Miami-Dade County, Florida, for major lines. Filing in an incorrect location, especially after the one-year deadline, can result in dismissal and loss of legal recourse.
These points are crucial for passenger awareness. While a trouble-free cruise is hoped for, understanding your rights is vital.
Bon Voyage, and be informed.
Common Cruise Accident and Injury Types: Expertise of a Cruise Ship Lawyer
Maritime law is a highly specialized field. Even lawyers generally familiar with maritime law may find cruise ship law particularly nuanced. While passenger vigilance can mitigate risks, accidents on cruise ships occur with alarming regularity.
InternetLawyers.net possesses extensive experience representing clients in cases involving:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Wet decks, unmarked hazards, and negligence can lead to serious falls.
- Swimming Pool and Water Park Injuries: Improper maintenance, inadequate supervision, and defective equipment are common causes.
- Food Poisoning (Norovirus and other pathogens): Cruise ship outbreaks can affect hundreds, requiring legal recourse.
- Gangway and Embarkation/Disembarkation Accidents: Transitions on and off the ship pose risks if not properly managed.
- Injuries During Shore Excursions: Cruise lines can be liable for negligent tour operators they contract with.
- Assaults and Crimes: Passenger-on-passenger and crew-on-passenger incidents require strong legal action.
- Medical Negligence: Inadequate onboard medical care can exacerbate injuries or create new ones.
- Wrongful Death: Tragic accidents can result in fatalities, requiring compassionate and aggressive legal representation.
Consulting with a cruise ship accident lawyer after an injury is essential to determine the viability of your case. Contact us at our Miami Headquarters or any of our seven offices nationwide at 877-233-1238 for a free case evaluation. Overseas clients can also reach us here.
Notable Maritime Cases: Our Cruise Ship Lawyers in Action
InternetLawyers.net has represented clients in numerous significant maritime accidents and disasters. While some cases gain public attention, many remain less known. Here are a few examples illustrating our firm’s extensive work, representing just a fraction of the over 3,000 cruise ship accident and injury cases we’ve handled, resulting in over $450 million recovered for our clients.
Child Sexual Assault on Disney Cruise Ship
Michael A. Winkleman is currently representing a Vermont family whose child was sexually assaulted by an older child on a Disney cruise in January 2020. Despite CCTV evidence, Disney denies the incident occurred. We are pursuing this case aggressively, undeterred by corporate giants like Disney.
Passenger Contracted HIV After Rape by Princess Cruises Crew Member
Our firm represents a woman allegedly raped by a Princess Cruises crew member in January 2022, resulting in HIV infection. Michael A. Winkleman is leading this case, highlighting the disturbing prevalence of sexual assault on cruise ships, as reported by the Department of Transportation. This ongoing case aims to secure necessary financial and emotional support for the victim.
Royal Caribbean White Island Volcano Excursion Disaster
The 2019 White Island volcano eruption in New Zealand, during a Royal Caribbean shore excursion, caused catastrophic injuries and deaths. We represent victims and families in lawsuits against Royal Caribbean in Miami, arguing the cruise line’s liability for selling excursions to a known active volcano. Some cases have been settled, with others ongoing.
Costa Luminosa Coronavirus Class Action Lawsuit
The Costa Luminosa cruise, departing in March 2020, proceeded despite known COVID-19 risks. Misrepresentations about safety were made to passengers. We secured Italian court approval for a class action lawsuit, allowing passengers to seek compensation, including cruise cost reimbursement and damages for unfair practices and ruined vacations. Passengers had until September 15, 2023, to join.
Carnival Triumph Fire Incident
The 2013 Carnival Triumph fire, while not resulting in fatalities, stranded over 3,500 passengers in dire conditions. We successfully represented hundreds of passengers in claims against Carnival following this highly publicized event.
SS El Faro Disaster
The 2015 sinking of the cargo ship El Faro during Hurricane Joaquin resulted in 33 fatalities. We represented families of crew members, arguing the employer’s negligence in failing to protect the crew from foreseeable storm risks.
Post-Cruise Ship Accident: Immediate Steps
If involved in a cruise ship accident:
- Obtain an accident or crime report copy.
- Document everything: photos of the scene, witness contacts, crew member names you report to.
- Seek immediate medical attention onboard.
- Contact a cruise ship passenger injury lawyer promptly.
Promptly consulting a cruise accident lawyer is critical. We provide personalized attention to your case, advising you on your legal rights and the statute of limitations specific to your situation.
attorney for Cruise Ship Accidents
Foreign Flagged Vessels: Navigating Complex Jurisdictions
Most cruise ships are registered in foreign countries and fly foreign flags. This can introduce foreign law into cases, potentially less favorable than U.S. law. However, experienced admiralty attorneys can leverage these complexities to gain legal advantages.
An accident on a Miami-departing ship might fall under Florida, federal, or foreign law, plus international treaties. While seemingly complex, our at-sea injury attorneys view this as an opportunity to determine the most advantageous legal framework for your case.
Statute of Limitations: Time is of the Essence
Cruise ship accident claims are governed by unique maritime laws, often termed “cruise ship law.” Cruise lines typically include clauses in passenger tickets shortening the lawsuit filing time to one year, significantly less than the standard three-year maritime statute of limitations.
Missing this deadline is serious, but not necessarily insurmountable. Circumstances may allow for arguing the contractual limitation as unreasonable or unenforceable. This underscores the importance of a skilled maritime attorney.
Exceptions exist, such as in Boehnen v. Carnival Cruise Lines Inc., where Florida courts ruled the shortened statute of limitations inapplicable to mentally incompetent passengers without legal guardians, citing 46 U.S.C.§ 183b(c). Such nuances demonstrate why an experienced cruise ship accident lawyer is crucial.
Forum Selection Clauses: Cruise Line Preferred Venues
Cruise tickets invariably contain forum selection clauses, dictating where lawsuits must be filed. Often, this is Miami, Florida. This can deter victims, but our firm is equipped to represent clients in various jurisdictions, both nationally and internationally. Our attorneys are licensed in Florida, California, and Washington, enabling us to litigate against any major cruise line nationwide.
Maximizing Your Claim Value: The Role of a Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer
Securing a favorable outcome in maritime injury cases requires specialized legal expertise. Cruise lines possess advantages, including non-disclosure policies, jurisdictional arguments, and denial of responsibility.
Our maritime lawyers understand these tactics and have a proven record of overcoming them, ensuring accident victims benefit from applicable legal frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Cruise Ship Lawyer Answers
With extensive experience in maritime law, InternetLawyers.net understands client anxieties. Here are answers to common questions:
Cruise Ship Lawyer Compensation: How it Works
We work on a contingency basis for cruise ship personal injury cases. We are paid when your case is won through settlement or court award. No retainer or upfront costs are charged. “No recovery, no fee.” Initial consultations are free.
Case Filing Location: Where to Sue
Most cruise passenger cases must be filed in Miami, Florida, per ticket contracts. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and NCL typically mandate Miami. Princess Cruises often specifies California, and Holland America, Washington State. Our attorneys are licensed in these key states. Non-cruise line cases are usually filed where the incident occurred, absent other agreements.
Time Limit to File: Statute of Limitations
Cruise passenger cases have a strict one-year filing deadline from the injury date, and a 6-month notice requirement to the cruise line. Immediate attorney contact is crucial. Most other maritime injury claims have a 3-year statute of limitations.
Suing for Violent Crime, Rape, or Sexual Assault
Yes, absolutely. Cruise lines can be held accountable for crimes onboard. If you are a victim, contact us immediately to protect your rights. We are leaders in holding cruise lines responsible for preventable tragedies. Contact our cruise ship rape lawyers for dedicated support.
Suing for Disability Discrimination: Failure to Accommodate
U.S. Supreme Court rulings and the ADA require cruise ships docking in U.S. ports to comply with disability laws. Cruise lines can be sued for denying boarding or inadequate facilities for passengers with disabilities. Cases of denied boarding and substandard facilities have been reported and litigated.
Hire the Nation’s Leading Miami Cruise Ship Accident & Injury Lawyers
Beyond our deep maritime law expertise, InternetLawyers.net prepares and litigates our cases directly, ensuring your case is never outsourced. We provide personalized attention, meticulously reviewing each case detail.
Choosing a cruise ship injury lawyer from our firm means having an ethical, dedicated advocate constantly available to advise and support you throughout your case.
Contact our Miami Headquarters to discover the benefits of our award-winning team. With over $450 million recovered, extensive media recognition, and landmark case successes, internetlawyers.net is consistently recognized as a “Best Law Firm”® by US News & World Report since 2016, with five attorneys named “Best Lawyers”® in America.
*Disclaimer required by the Florida Bar: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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