Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents on Cruise Ships

Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer – Injured on Board? Know Your Rights as a Passenger

Slipped or Tripped on a Cruise Ship? We Can Help.

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A slip or trip and fall on a cruise ship may seem minor at first — until you find yourself facing surgery, lost wages, and weeks of recovery. Cruise ships present unique hazards: constantly wet decks, motion of the sea, narrow stairways, poor lighting, and uneven flooring.

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At Sher & Volk, P.A., we represent cruise passengers from across the U.S. and abroad who were injured in preventable falls on ships. Based in Miami — where most cruise lawsuits must be filed — we pursue claims aggressively, with an emphasis on personalized care and full financial recovery.

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Common Fall Hazards Aboard Cruise Ships

Cruise ships are floating cities with thousands of daily visitors — and many opportunities for danger:

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•      Wet Pool Decks without slip-resistant surfacing

•      Improperly Secured Mats or Rugs

•      Unmarked Steps or Elevation Changes

•      Stairwells with Worn Treads or Broken Railings

•      Dim or Burned-Out Lighting in Corridors

•      Motion-Activated Doors that Malfunction

•      Greasy or Wet Floors Near Buffets and Kitchens

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Any of these hazards, if left uncorrected, can create a serious fall risk — especially when combined with the ship’s motion at sea.

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Who’s Responsible When You Fall on a Cruise?

Cruise lines owe passengers a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances. This includes:

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•      Inspecting decks and walkways regularly

•      Promptly cleaning up spills or leaks

•      Warning passengers of known dangers

•      Maintaining non-slip surfaces and railings

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If they fail to take these basic precautions, and you’re hurt as a result, they may be held liable.

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Importantly, unlike land-based premises liability, cruise ship slip and fall cases fall under federal maritime law, and often must be filed in federal court in Miami, regardless of where the ship sailed.

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How Cruise Lines Try to Avoid Liability

Cruise operators use several common tactics to deny or minimize claims:

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•      Arguing that the hazard was “open and obvious”

•      Blaming the passenger for not watching their step

•      Citing poor footwear or intoxication

•      Claiming lack of notice of the hazard

•      Relying on disclaimers in cruise contracts

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Our job is to disprove those arguments. We obtain security footage, maintenance logs, and incident reports to show the cruise line either knew — or should have known — about the danger.

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Hypothetical Case Illustration: Buffet Area Slip

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Imagine a fictional case where a passenger slips on spilled dressing in a self-service buffet line. The spill occurred at noon, but no warning cone was placed until 12:45 p.m. Security footage shows three prior near-misses in the same spot.

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In this example, the cruise line may be liable for failing to clean or warn about the hazard in a timely manner — especially if prior slips had occurred nearby. A court could find negligence and award damages for surgery, rehab, and lost wages.

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What to Do After a Slip or Trip on a Cruise Ship

1.      Report the incident immediately to ship staff or security

2.      Ask for a written incident report and take photos if possible

3.      Take photos of the area, your injuries, and any hazards

4.      Obtain names and contact info of witnesses

5.      Avoid signing releases without legal advice

6.      Call Sher & Volk, P.A. for a free case evaluation

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Even if you’ve returned home, we can help secure evidence and build your claim from Miami.

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Common Injuries from Cruise Ship Falls

•      Wrist fractures from bracing for impact

•      Hip and femur fractures, especially among older adults

•      Torn ligaments or meniscus in knees

•      Concussions and traumatic brain injuries

•      Back and spinal injuries

•      Facial trauma and dental fractures

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These injuries often require surgery, months of therapy, and time off work — all recoverable damages through a successful legal claim.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still sue if the fall happened at sea? Yes. Maritime law applies aboard ships in international waters. If your ticket says to file in Miami, we handle everything from there.

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What if I didn’t report the fall right away?

It may still be valid. Many passengers delay reporting due to shock or embarrassment. We can gather medical records and witness statements to support your case.

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Do I need to live in Florida to file?

No. Most cruise contracts require you to file in Miami — but we handle the process for clients across the U.S. and internationally.

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How long do I have to file?

Typically 1 year from the date of injury. Your cruise ticket may also require written notice within 6 months. Don’t wait.

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What if I was wearing flip-flops?

The cruise line may try to blame your shoes, but that doesn’t excuse unsafe conditions. We show how negligence, not footwear, caused your fall.

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Talk to a Cruise Ship Fall Attorney Today

If you were injured in a fall aboard a cruise ship, Sher & Volk, P.A. is ready to help. We understand the medical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take — and we’ll fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation. No fees unless we recover money for you.

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