There are more than 20 cruise lines that berth ships in Port Miami and Port Everglades, and millions of passengers embark on cruises from Miami and Fort Lauderdale throughout each year. Sadly, passengers often suffer injuries on board cruise ships — due to the negligence of crew members, other passengers aboard, or problems with the ship itself. At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., we are dedicated to helping injured passengers recover rightful compensation for their losses, and over the past 50 years have recovered more than $300 million for clients who have suffered due to another’s negligence.
Filing a lawsuit against a cruise line is a complicated process dictated by the specifics of maritime law, and victims deserve the support of an experienced maritime attorney as they try to navigate this difficult process. Maritime law dictates specifics about the time limits and jurisdictions that a plaintiff must comply with in order to file a successful suit, and the way that maritime matters are handled beyond these administrative requirements differs substantially from other areas of personal injury, as well.
Cruise lines also have their own conditions of entry that passengers agree to when they board, which might affect the outcome of a lawsuit, and will certainly be factored into their legal defense as they try to avoid liability.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while on board a cruise ship out of South Florida, contact us today to discuss your legal options in a free and confidential consultation.
Is A Cruise Line Responsible for Your Injuries?
Most victims of cruise ship injuries must demonstrate that the cruise line was negligent in order to collect damages for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other harms they suffered from the accident. A qualified maritime lawyer can help them understand all of the applicable laws and navigate through the legal system, as well as identify and preserve evidence to get the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve.
Cruise lines will use a number of tactics to pay as little as possible in cases they are liable for — and will attempt to avoid liability outright through pre-boarding agreements, waivers of rights, or other contractual measures. Not only must victims be able to prove that the cruise line was negligent, but they must also navigate the red tape and legalese of these agreements in order to even initiate a claim.
At Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., our experienced cruise ship injury attorneys are the most experienced and well-versed in all aspects of maritime law and can help you understand your legal rights and options when filing a claim against a negligent or reckless cruise line. During your initial consultation with our team, we will be able to review the facts of your case and provide you with specific advice on how best to move forward.
Common Passenger Injuries on South Florida Cruise Ships
Some of the most common causes of passenger injuries on cruise ships out of South Florida are included below, but we understand that no two accidents are alike, even if they fall under the same category.
Whether or not you see your injuries mentioned below, contact us right away to discuss your unique situation with a South Florida maritime attorney who can help you make sense of your circumstances and advise you on the next steps toward justice.
Slip and Falls
Slippery decks and uneven stairs can cause slips, trips, and falls, resulting in broken bones and other serious injuries.
A slip and fall accident might be the cruise line’s fault if they failed to maintain safe premises or did not properly warn passengers of dangerous conditions.
Food Poisoning and Food Allergies
Contaminated food can cause a wide variety of illnesses, including E.Coli and Salmonella poisoning, and the cruise lines are responsible for ensuring the safety of all food served aboard their vessels. Further, cruise lines often fail to warn passengers with food allergies as to the inclusion of many allergy-producing ingredients in their served food – causing significant injuries.
Food poisoning or serving allergy-inducing foods can cause serious health issues, and victims may be entitled to compensation to cover the medical bills and other damages associated with their illnesses.
Assault And Sexual Harassment
Cruise ships have a duty to protect passengers, crew members, and other personnel from assault and sexual harassment at the hands of others onboard their ships.
Failure to protect passengers from the violent or criminal behavior of crew members or other passengers can be held liable in a court of law. These cases are often difficult and contentious, but with our law firm’s history of success, you can be sure we will fight aggressively to get you the justice you deserve.
Negligent Security
Cruise lines are obligated to provide their passengers with comprehensive security to keep them safe from harm. When they fail to do so, it can result in serious injuries or even death due to onboard crime.
Proving that security measures were inadequate or that security personnel acted negligently can be difficult, but with an award-winning maritime law firm handling your case, you can rest assured that your rights will be protected.
Medical Malpractice
Cruise ships often employ medical staff on board to treat passengers during their trips. If they fail to provide medical assistance consistent with the applicable standard of care, victims may be able to sue for damages arising from medical malpractice.
If you become ill or injured while on a cruise, it is important to contact a maritime lawyer as soon as possible. Cruise lines, and the medical staff they employ, are focused on minimizing their liability, and your medical care will be handled with this goal in mind.
Faulty Equipment
When equipment fails and causes injuries, the cruise line may be liable for damages if they did not properly maintain the equipment or warn passengers of any potential dangers. This could range from recreational equipment to malfunctioning elevators and countless other issues you may encounter.
Injuries on Cruise Excursions
Many cruises offer excursions away from the ship, such as snorkeling trips or wildlife tours. When these tours are negligently organized or led, it can result in serious injuries to passengers.
Contact Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. for Award-Winning Legal Representation
If you or your loved one has been injured on a cruise ship out of South Florida, contact Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., or by submitting your information through the simple form on our contact page.
We are honored to have been named to “Best Law Firms”® by US News & World Report since 2016, and three of our attorneys were even named to “Best Lawyers”® in America. Our experienced litigation team has an extensive understanding of both the Jones Act and FELA legal instruments alike, making us uniquely prepared to assist those injured on cruise ships. If you or someone close to you is struggling with a cruise ship accident injury or fatality, we stand ready to support you on your journey toward justice and to help make sure that your case gets the care and attention it deserves.
Contact us right away to speak with an experienced attorney for a free and confidential consultation.
