Cruise Ship Medical Malpractice

Cruise Ship Medical Malpractice Lawyer – When Onboard Doctors Fail

Received Inadequate Medical Care on a Cruise? You’re Not Alone.

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Cruise ships promise comfort, care, and safety at sea. But when passengers experience a serious medical issue, the care they receive from onboard doctors and nurses can fall drastically short. Medical negligence aboard cruise ships can turn treatable conditions into medical emergencies — or worse.

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At Sher & Volk, we represent passengers nationwide who were harmed by cruise ship medical malpractice. Whether it was a misdiagnosis, botched procedure, or delay in evacuation, we hold cruise lines accountable for failing to provide the level of care you deserve.

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Examples of Cruise Ship Medical Negligence

Cruise ship infirmaries are often under-equipped, understaffed, or poorly supervised. Common malpractice claims include:

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•      Failure to diagnose strokes, heart attacks, or infections

•      Delayed or improper treatment for fractures and wounds

•      Neglecting worsening conditions until it’s too late to evacuate

•      Improper medication administration or wrong prescriptions

•      Inadequate monitoring of vital signs and conditions

•      Improper response to dehydration, food poisoning, or allergic reactions

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These failures can turn a manageable illness into a life-altering injury or death.

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Can You Sue the Cruise Line for Medical Malpractice?

Yes — but it hasn’t always been that way.

For decades, cruise lines avoided liability for shipboard medical malpractice by claiming doctors were “independent contractors.” But in 2014, a landmark federal case (Franza v. Royal Caribbean) changed that. Under this ruling:

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•      Cruise lines can be held liable for the negligence of their onboard medical staff

•      They are responsible when the infirmary is advertised as part of the ship’s services

•      The doctor or nurse does not have to be a U.S. citizen to trigger liability

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We use this legal precedent to pursue claims directly against the cruise operator.

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Hypothetical Case Illustration: Stroke Misdiagnosis

Imagine a fictional case: A 68-year-old passenger begins experiencing slurred speech, dizziness, and numbness on one side. The ship’s doctor dismisses it as dehydration and recommends fluids. The ship doesn't evacuate for another 18 hours. By then, the passenger suffers irreversible brain damage.

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In this scenario, a court could find the cruise line negligent for failing to recognize a medical emergency and delaying evacuation.

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The Challenge of Evacuation Delays

Medical evacuation — by airlift or port diversion — can be life-saving. But cruise lines often delay or deny evacuation due to cost, logistics, or image concerns.

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We investigate:

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•      Whether symptoms warranted evacuation

•      Internal logs and communications about the delay

•      Whether passengers were properly informed of their options

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Evacuation delay is often a central issue in cruise medical malpractice claims.

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Cruise Ship Medical Records and Evidence

After a medical emergency, cruise lines may:

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•      Refuse to provide records without legal requests

•      Generate misleading logs or omit details about your treatment

•      Downplay the seriousness of symptoms

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Sher & Volk, P.A. immediately sends preservation and demand letters to secure:

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•      Infirmary visit logs

•      Medication administration records

•      Communications between staff and corporate medical advisors

•      Witness statements from travel companions or crew

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Our goal is to build a strong timeline of what happened and when — and where things went wrong.

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What to Do If You Received Poor Medical Care on a Cruise

1.      Request copies of all medical records before leaving the ship

2.      Document your symptoms and treatment experience in writing

3.      Photograph medications, infirmary conditions, or visible injuries

4.      Ask travel companions to document what they saw

5.      Get follow-up care at home immediately

6.      Contact a maritime medical negligence lawyer

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Even if you signed paperwork onboard, you may still have a claim. Let us review your case confidentially.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do cruise ship doctors have to be licensed in the U.S.?

No — most are foreign nationals licensed in other countries. That doesn’t prevent you from suing for negligence in U.S. courts.

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Can I still sue if I signed a waiver or release?

Possibly. These waivers may not hold up in court, especially in cases of gross negligence or inadequate care.

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Do I have to come to Miami?

Not usually. Most cruise contracts require claims to be filed in Miami federal court. We handle the process remotely for out-of-state and international clients.

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How long do I have to file a claim?

Most tickets give you 1 year from the date of injury and require written notice within 6 months. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

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What if I didn’t realize it was malpractice until weeks later?

That’s common. We help you gather the evidence and medical opinions needed to prove your case.

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Speak With a Cruise Medical Negligence Lawyer Today

You trusted a cruise line to keep you safe. When their medical care falls short, Sher & Volk, P.A. is here to fight for accountability.

We offer confidential consultations to passengers injured by negligent onboard treatment. No recovery, no fee.

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