No one embarks on a cruise planning to be the victim of a sexual assault or other crime, but the unfortunate reality is that it happens. If you’ve been the victim of a crime or sexual assault while on a cruise out of Houston, the cruise injury lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., can help.
There is no law firm with more experience in handling cruise ship sexual assault cases than Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. As a preeminent maritime law firm with over 165 years of combined experience, over $300 million in awards recovered for clients and the honor of being named to “Best Law Firms” ® by US News & World Report since 2016, our clients can trust that they are in good hands. Members of our firm have appeared on national television hundreds of times as expert commentators on maritime law, helping victims of cruise ship accidents and assaults to understand their rights.
Our award-winning team of maritime lawyers will fight on your behalf to ensure you receive the justice you deserve and represent you against the cruise line, its insurers, and partners. We handle all types of maritime claims and have a long track record of successfully representing passengers and crew members alike for a wide range of injuries; including cruise ship sexual assaults involving: crew on passengers, a passenger on passenger, and crew on crew. Additionally, we have experience in handling many prior cases on behalf of minor children who were the victims of sexual assault aboard cruise ships.
Read more below about how we can help victims of sexual assaults and other crimes in Houston, and contact us right away to request a free consultation with our team. The sooner our firm is handling your case, the sooner you can stay focused on healing and recovering while we fight to get the compensation and justice you deserve.
Common Crimes on Cruise Ships
Cruise ships are subject to the same criminal activities as any other space that is populated with a large number of people. Common types of crimes we’ve seen on cruises out of Houston include the following, but whether or not you see your own situation below, contact us right away. No two cases are alike, and speaking directly with a maritime attorney is the best way to make sense of your circumstances and legal options.
Theft
Theft is a risk anywhere we go, but cruise liners are expected to have appropriate security measures in place to protect passengers from theft and other crimes. If you’ve been the victim of theft while on your cruise, contact us right away to discuss your rights and legal options.
Assault And Battery
Cruise ships, like any other public space, can become dangerous in a split second. With nearly unfettered access to large quantities of alcohol, and a general lack of adequate security aboard cruise ships, passengers can become violent, either intentionally or unintentionally, and their violent behavior can go unchecked for significant periods of time.
If you’ve been the victim of an assault and/or battery, contact us right away to discuss your rights and legal options. While still aboard the cruise, staff may attempt to cover up the incident, convince you to waive your legal rights, or discourage you from speaking with an attorney. Don’t be fooled – Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., can help you hold the perpetrators and cruise line accountable and get justice for your suffering.
Rape And Sexual Assault
Sexual assaults on cruise ships are unfortunately more common than most people realize, and the numbers continue to rise. Cruise lines have a responsibility to monitor threats, adequately warn passengers of potential risks, and take appropriate security measures when it comes to passenger safety. Failure to do so can lead to rape and sexual assault, among countless other crimes. The lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. have been handling cruise sexual assault cases for decades and are among the most experienced lawyers handling cruise ship sexual assaults.
If you’ve been the victim of rape or sexual assault, contact us right away. We understand how difficult it can be to come forward with these types of cases and will handle your case with the utmost respect, sensitivity, and discretion.
What to Do if You Are the Victim of A Crime on A Cruise Ship Out of Houston
If you’ve been the victim of a crime on a cruise ship out of Houston, the following steps will help you protect yourself and your legal rights. Since no two situations are ever alike, some of the following steps may not apply to your situation. Your top priority must be your health and safety, no matter what.
Report The Crime to Security Immediately
Report the crime to security on board your cruise ship as soon as possible. Make sure to document all details about the incident, including the time and date of the crime and any details about the perpetrator(s).
Seek Medical Attention
Whether or not you believe that you are seriously injured, it is essential that you seek out medical treatment as soon as possible. You may be suffering from physical or emotional trauma or overlooking an injury that requires treatment, so make sure to go to the ship’s infirmary for evaluation.
Document Evidence of the Crime
No matter how vivid the details may seem in the moment, your memory will fade. Take notes, pictures, and videos of the scene, and don’t share this evidence with cruise ship officials. Request copies of all reports and documents related to your incident, and once you are partnered with a maritime attorney, you can forward all of this documentation to them.
Collect Contact Information of Witnesses
If there were any witnesses, collect their contact information so that they can be interviewed by your attorney later. Their perspective of the event may differ from yours, and these additional perspectives can provide valuable insight into your case.
Never Agree to the Cruise Line Not Contacting Law Enforcement in The Case of Sexual Assault
If, after reporting your incident, the cruise line security team speaks with you in an attempt to convince you to have the cruise line handle the matter internally without contacting outside law enforcement (this is usually the FBI depending upon the location of the ship at the time of the incident or the nationality of the victim or assailant), you should insist on the cruise line immediately reporting the incident to law enforcement.
Know that the cruise line is required to report the incident to the FBI in most circumstances pursuant to the Cruise Line Security and Safety Act, including assault with serious bodily injury, theft of money or property in excess of $10,000, sexual assault, homicide, kidnapping, suspicious death, or a missing US National.
However, passenger victims of sexual assault have reported being pressured and bullied into agreeing to allow the cruise line to handle the investigation internally without reporting it to outside law enforcement; don’t fall for such tactics.
Contact a Maritime Law Firm as Soon as Possible
Your next step is to contact a maritime law firm like Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. We understand the complexities of maritime law and have the experience necessary to fight for your rights, ensuring that you receive justice and compensation for how you have suffered.
Don’t Make Statements or Sign Anything Without an Attorney’s Guidance
Finally, never sign anything without checking with your maritime attorney first. Cruise lines may try to make you sign a waiver of liability or other documents, but any statements or signatures on documents you make in the absence of a lawyer can be used against you. It is best to speak with an experienced attorney before making decisions about your case.
Request Your Free Consultation with Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. Today
We are proud to have been named to “Best Law Firms” ® by US News & World Report since 2016, and three of our attorneys have been named to “Best Lawyers” ® in America. As a leading maritime law firm with extensive knowledge of cruise ship operations, we have the experience and resources necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.
At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., we are committed to providing you with the aggressive legal representation you deserve. We strive to obtain justice and fair compensation for your suffering. If you’ve been a victim of rape or sexual assault on a cruise ship out of Houston, contact us right away for a free consultation.
