Florida Cruise Ship Accident Attorneys

Cruise ship accidents can leave you or your loved ones with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses. If this happens, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. Unfortunately, you might not get the justice and compensation you deserve if you do it all alone.

Therefore, you need legal experts specializing in cruise ship accidents, and that is where we step in. As Florida cruise ship accident attorneys, Eltringham Law Group has in-depth knowledge and experience handling complex cases. We will fight for and protect your rights at all costs.

What Accidents Can Happen on Cruise Ships?

Cruises can provide a delightful and relaxing time, making them ideal for vacations. However, you can suffer an accident or illness while on a cruise. Here are five cruise ship hazards that can threaten your safety while on a cruise.

  • Slip and fall accidents: Wet and slippery floors, luggage in hallways, hidden changes of elevation, poor lighting, and defective stairs are a few factors that could lead to slip and fall accidents. These accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and even brain damage.
  • Food poisoning: If the cruise staff doesn’t prepare food properly or mishandles it, you could suffer from food poisoning, causing severe medical conditions. Food poisoning could also stem from poor sanitation and insufficient food safety standards.
  • Recreational accidents: Cruise ships are often equipped with recreational facilities such as swimming pools. Unfortunately, these recreational facilities and activities could cause accidents. For instance, you can slip and fall on slippery pool deck floors or drown when swimming.
  • Assault: You may be physically or sexually assaulted by other guests or crew members. This could cause physical injuries as well as lifelong emotional trauma.
  • Illness outbreak: Highly contagious illnesses such as the Norovirus can quickly spread on cruise ships due to the many people being in one place.

Who Is Liable in a Cruise Ship Accident?

Determining liability for a cruise ship accident can be complex at times. This is because liability depends on the circumstances of the accident. Generally, liability may fall on the following parties:

  • The cruise line: If an accident occurs due to the cruise line’s negligence, such as failing to properly maintain the ship or providing inadequate safety measures, the cruise line may be liable.
  • The ship’s crew: If the negligence of a crew member causes an accident, they may be liable. For instance, a crew member who fails to mark wet floors may cause slip and fall accidents and may create liability for any injuries and damages.
  • Other passengers: If another passenger on the ship assaults you, the passenger will be liable for any injuries or damages you may suffer from the assault.
  • Third-party contractors: Some cruise ships contract third parties to provide services like food service. Therefore, in the event of an accident like food poisoning, the third-party contractor will be liable for the injuries and damages.

What’s the Law for Suing a Cruise Line?

Generally, cruise lines are subject to maritime law— a distinct body of law that governs disputes that arise on navigable waters. Moreover, you’ll typically enter into a contract with the cruise line when you purchase a ticket. Many cruise lines have strict provisions shortening the time for you to make a claim and file a lawsuit, some as short as just 6 months from the date of the injury causing incident. The contract may also include provisions limiting the cruise line’s liability and specifying the law and forum governing any disputes.

However, the specific laws governing the ability to sue a cruise line vary based on factors like the location of the incident, your nationality, the cruise line, and the terms of your ticket contract.

If you or a loved one is injured or experiences other harm while on a cruise, you may sue the cruise line for damages, depending on the specific circumstances of the incident. However, you need to clearly demonstrate the cruise line’s negligence leading to the accident. Cruise accident lawyers can help you with this.

What Can a Cruise Ship Attorney Do for Your Case?

Our injury attorneys can provide legal representation and assistance to those who’ve suffered injuries on a cruise:

  • Legal advice: We can help you understand your legal rights and options. They’ll advise you on the best course of action to take after a cruise ship accident.
  • Investigating the incident: We examine the circumstances leading to a cruise ship accident. This includes reviewing documents, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence to build a strong case.
  • Negotiating with the cruise line: If the cruise line agrees to compensate you for your injuries, damages, and other losses, we will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you reach a fair settlement.
  • Represent you in a court of law: We may represent you in a court of law and advocate for your rights before a judge or jury.

Hire a Florida Cruise Ship Accident Attorney Today

If you or your loved one have been involved in a cruise ship accident, you may need an attorney to help you file a claim.

At Eltringham Law Group, we have the knowledge and experience needed to fight for your rights and compensation. Contact us today for your cruise ship accident case.

Cruise Ship Accident FAQs

What do you do if you get hurt on a cruise ship?

Your safety comes first. Get immediate medical attention if you’re hurt in a cruise ship accident, even if the injuries are not visible.

How long do you have to file a claim against a cruise line?

As stated above, the timeframe to pursue a claim against a cruise ship is usually shorter than the new 2 year personal injury statute of limitations set by the state of Florida, so act quickly to engage a lawyer.

What Our Clients Say

Our Reviews

Our clients love the personalized attention we give every case. Read what they have to say:

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5 star review

I usually never leave reviews, good or bad, but for this instance, I most definitely had to. David and Marnie were both AMAZING. They made me feel comfortable and confident in their ability to resolve my case. I was walking in a crosswalk and was hit by a vehicle resulting in having to go to the hospital. I sustained injuries from this that I am still in the midst of dealing with. I contacted the firm and was able to speak with them via zoom immediately. I decided to sign with them on a Monday evening (3 days after my accident) and by Tuesday afternoon (the very next day) my case was settled. And settled for the very max that was able to be obtained. I attribute a lot of this to not only the expertise of the firm, but the relationships that Marnie has built with her experience working as a lawyer within a major insurance provider, which just so happened to be the insurance provider involved in my case. This is incredibly atypical for a case to be settled this quickly, especially with this outcome. It has been two weeks to the day today that my accident has happened and my case has already been resolved. I am blessed and more than happy that I decided to hire this firm. Every case is different, but I can bet that this firm will handle your case with care and the utmost professionalism. I pray I never have to go through a situation like this again, but if I did, I wouldn’t hesitate to call this law firm. Thank you guys very much!!

Shekeara

5 star review

I highly recommend Eltringham Law Group to anyone seeking legal advice after having a car accident. David Eltringham and his entire staff gave me the personal attention I needed during a very difficult and painful time. David took the extra steps needed to ensure that I received the medical care I needed as well as the financial compensation I deserved. Harold Torres, Paralegal updated me every step of the way. Thank you Eltringham Law Group!

Laura Lauri

5 star review

I had such a great experience with Eltringham Law Group! I was always kept in the loop and the experience was so personal. I was always in close contact with Teresa who was an absolute pleasure to work with. I would definitely recommend Eltringham Law Group again and again – I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!!!

Alex Peacock

Recent Case Results

$1.025M

RIDE SHARING

November 2021

$1M

COMMERCIAL TRUCKING ACCIDENT

March 2022

$600K

CAR ACCIDENT WITH MINIMAL VEHICLE DAMAGE

March 2022

$425K

CAR ACCIDENT NO SURGERY

March 2022

Proudly Serving The Entire State of Florida & Beyond

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We’re highly invested in your well-being – you don’t pay for our experience or services unless we get you a settlement. Contact us today to schedule a free review of your case.

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Working With Us

Lighthouse™ is a system unique to Eltringham Law Group – Personal Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, it’s what makes us different from other personal injury attorneys. We built this program to hold our own attorneys accountable and make sure our clients are getting the care and consideration they deserve.

sign up phase 1

Client Onboarding
Client Onboarding

The client meets with our Lighthouse Concierge Team to discuss the details of their potential case. A dedicated Lighthouse Team Member is assigned to the case to gather information and maintain constant communication with the client.

discovery phase 2

Investigation Case Analyzer
Investigation Case Analyzer

The assigned Lighthouse Team Member gathers and assess all information related to the case. A majority of the information is processed, paperwork is submitted and any questions/concerns the Lighthouse Team has for the client are clearly communicated and addressed.

Client Success Maximizer 3

Client Success Maximizer
Client Success Maximizer

The client meets with their Lighthouse Concierge Team Members to conduct a full review and explanation of the process. Both legal and medical records are reviewed and our team sets realistic and achievable expectations for the client.

Phase 1 Medical 4

Phase 1 Medical
Phase 1 Medical

The client is undergoing treatment at this point of the process and the Lighthouse Concierge Team maintains consistent communication to monitor the treatment scheduled. Additional medical referrals and testing may be required at this point if recommended by the current medical provider.

Phase 2 Medical 5

Phase 2 Medical
Phase 2 Medical

The client finalizes initial medical treatments that may include referrals to specialists, medical procedures, further testing and/or additional treatment recommendations by their medical providers.

Resolution or Litigation 6

Resolution or Litigation
Resolution or Litigation

The Lighthouse Concierge Team is in communication with those involved with and/or responsible for the damages incurred in your case. Two possible outcomes at this stage are 1) an achieved settlement agreement or 2) the inability to achieve a fair settlement that will result in the Eltringham Law Group filing a law suit on your behalf.

Post-Settlement Process 7

Post-Settlement Process
Post-Settlement Process

The case has completed and an agreement/resolution has been achieved with maximum in the best interest of the client. The Lighthouse Concierge Team meets with the client to fully explain the results and work diligently to finalize their case.

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