Cruise Ship Passenger Injuries
A Vacation Gone Wrong – What Happens When You're Injured on a Cruise Ship?
A cruise should be a time for rest and enjoyment. But when cruise lines cut corners on safety, passengers suffer the consequences. Whether you slipped on a wet deck, were injured on a shore excursion, or received delayed medical care, your injuries may entitle you to compensation. At Sher & Volk P.A., we help cruise ship injury victims across the country hold cruise lines accountable — right here in the courts of Miami, Florida.
________________________________________
Who We Help
We represent passengers who:
• Slipped and fell on wet or uneven surfaces
• Were injured in cruise ship activities (e.g., sports, poolside, FlowRider)
• Experienced medical malpractice in the ship infirmary
• Got hurt on cruise-sponsored shore excursions
• Suffered serious illness due to cruise line negligence (e.g., food poisoning, norovirus)
• Were assaulted due to negligent security or overserved guests
________________________________________
Common Cruise Ship Injuries
• Slip & Fall Injuries: Pool decks, stairs, dining areas
• Fractures and Sprains: From unstable railings, tripping hazards, and onboard activities
• Head Injuries: Due to falling objects or unsafe walking surfaces
• Medical Negligence: Misdiagnosis or treatment delay in the infirmary
• Excursion Injuries: Poorly supervised or dangerous third-party excursions
• Burns or Cuts: From galley accidents, spa treatments, or broken furniture
• Illness Outbreaks: Norovirus, food poisoning, Legionnaires’ disease
________________________________________
Why Cruise Ship Injury Claims Are Different
Cruise ship claims aren’t like ordinary personal injury cases. The fine print on your passenger ticket can drastically affect your legal rights. Most cruise lines include contractual limitations that:
• Designate Miami federal court as the only place you can sue
• Require notice within 180 days
• Require a lawsuit within 1 year — far shorter than typical state limitations
They may also limit your right to jury trial or control how evidence is handled. That's why having a lawyer experienced in maritime law is essential.
________________________________________
What To Do After an Injury on a Cruise
1. Report the incident to ship staff and request a written report
2. Take photos of the scene and your injuries
3. Get medical attention — on board and ashore
4. Avoid giving statements or signing anything without legal advice
5. Contact a cruise injury attorney immediately to preserve your rights
Document everything. Cruise lines have entire legal departments devoted to minimizing your claim — don’t go it alone.
________________________________________
How Sher & Volk, P.A. Can Help
Our firm focuses on maritime injury law — it’s what we do best. We offer:
• In-depth knowledge of cruise line defense tactics
• Experience litigating in Miami federal court
• Personalized attention with a low-volume caseload
• Contingency-based fees (you pay nothing unless we win)
We don’t just settle cases. We prepare them for trial. That pressure makes cruise lines take your injuries seriously.
Illustrative Example: Wet Staircase Injury
Imagine a scenario: A passenger descending a staircase that had just been mopped — without any warning signage — slips and suffers a fractured hip. Despite clear cruise line policies requiring hazard signage, the crew failed to act. In such cases, liability can hinge on evidence that the cruise line violated its own safety protocols. Maritime injury attorneys like Sher & Volk investigate these oversights to help victims recover what they’re owed.
Illustrative Example: Medical Misdiagnosis at Sea
Consider a guest visiting the ship's infirmary with slurred speech and weakness — classic signs of a stroke. If a shipboard doctor dismisses these as dehydration and fails to take emergency action, the outcome can be life-altering. When cruise lines staff their infirmaries with undertrained personnel or fail to follow medical protocol, passengers suffer. Sher & Volk helps victims and families hold cruise lines accountable for medical negligence at sea.
________________________________________
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Cruise Ship Injury?
While cruise lines are often the primary defendants in injury cases, they are not always the only parties responsible. Liability can also extend to:
• Third-Party Excursion Operators: If your injury occurred during a shore excursion organized or advertised by the cruise line, the local operator may share liability.
• Medical Providers on Board: Many cruise ships outsource their infirmary staffing to independent contractors. Negligent onboard doctors and nurses can be separately liable.
• Cleaning and Security Contractors: Injuries caused by negligence from subcontracted cleaning crews, security personnel, or maintenance vendors can support claims against those specific companies.
At Sher & Volk, we conduct detailed investigations to identify all potentially liable parties. This approach helps ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
________________________________________
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the cruise line if I signed a waiver or release? Waivers can limit certain claims, especially for activities like shore excursions, but they do not excuse cruise lines from their duty to maintain safe conditions. An attorney can review your ticket contract and determine what rights you still have.
Do I have to travel to Miami to file a claim?
Most major cruise lines require injury claims to be filed in Miami federal court, even if you boarded in another state. However, our firm can handle all legal filings on your behalf and keep your travel to a minimum — or avoid it entirely.
What if I was injured by another passenger, not the cruise staff?
Cruise lines may still be liable if they failed to prevent foreseeable criminal acts by passengers, especially if they overserved alcohol or failed to provide adequate security.
How much is my cruise injury claim worth?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. We fight to recover every dollar you're owed.
What if my injury happened offshore or during a foreign excursion?
If the excursion was promoted or booked through the cruise line, they may still be liable. These cases are complex, but we've handled many just like them.
What if I didn’t report the injury right away?
Delays in reporting can hurt your case, but it doesn’t necessarily disqualify it. Document your injuries and contact an attorney as soon as possible. We can work to reconstruct the timeline and gather other evidence.
How long does a cruise injury lawsuit take?
Every case is different. Some resolve in a few months; others take a year or more. Factors include severity of injuries, willingness of the cruise line to settle, and whether trial is necessary.
________________________________________
Schedule a Free Case Review
You have limited time to act. If you were hurt on a cruise, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
