Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Blog

Dirtiest Cruise Ships Identified: Risks to Passengers

March 15, 2025 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

A recent article has shed the spotlight on the world’s “dirtiest“ cruise ships, detailing unsanitary conditions that pose risks to passengers. The report mentions the Vessel Sanitation Program established by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which includes a rating system. It assigns cleanliness scores up to 100 for cruise ships to prevent outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses. In its latest assessments, 10 ships scored below 89. The CDC views any score under 85 to be “unsatisfactory.”

For passengers and potential travelers in Florida, knowing about these health and safety hazards is critical. The facts can help you avoid problems onboard, and you’ll also have guidance on what to do if you suffer harm because of unsanitary conditions. You’ll start by consulting with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer, but an overview is useful.

Examples of Dirty Conditions Onboard

Recent Miami Cruise Ship Accident: 12-Year-Old Girl Falls from Balcony

February 15, 2025 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

A tragic accident occurred on a Miami-bound MSC cruise ship when a 12-year-old girl fell from a balcony, leading to her death. A recent news article reported that the incident happened while the ship was docked in Port Miami before departure. Emergency services responded, but the young girl was pronounced dead despite efforts to save her. Authorities, including the Miami-Dade Police Department, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall.

Though the details have yet to emerge, it is possible that the girl’s surviving family members will have legal remedies against the cruise ship operator. A fall from a balcony could indicate dangerous conditions and a breach of duty by the company. It is important to work with a Miami cruise ship accident attorney if you were hurt, but reviewing information about liability is helpful.

Cruise Ship Duty of Safety

Bayesian Disaster and Liability Issues

January 15, 2025 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

In a recent tragic incident off the coast of Italy, the mega-yacht Bayesian was involved in a catastrophic accident during a luxury charter excursion. Initial reports indicate that the yacht, renowned for its opulence and cutting-edge technology, capsized in a severe storm. Several passengers were injured during the rescue, and search and rescue operations were dispatched for many others listed as missing. After completing rescue operations, seven victims – six charter passengers and one crewmember – were pronounced dead.

Preliminary investigations suggest that multiple failures may have contributed to the disaster, which were compounded because of the heavy weather. As authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the incident, questions about liability and the safety protocols of charter operations are coming to the forefront, especially for those who suffered injuries in the mishap. A Miami personal injury lawyer can clarify some of the cloudy issues, but an overview is also useful.

Liability for Charters in Miami, FL

Who is Liable for Fights and Violence on Miami Cruise Ships?

December 15, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Cruise ship vacations are meant to be relaxing escapes, but unfortunately, incidents of violence and assault can occur. The US Department of Transportation (US DOT) has started to require cruise operators to report instances of crime on board, including sexual assault and other assaults. The data reveals that there has been a substantial rise in these crimes in recent years, though details are sketchy in the early stages of the reporting program.

If you were injured due to a fight or assault on a Miami cruise ship, you might wonder if you can hold any potential parties accountable. After all, you suffer considerable losses because of being hurt. Depending on the circumstances, you might have multiple options in terms of who to pursue for compensation. The complexities of cruise line liability are daunting, so trust a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer to assist with the legal process. Some background is also informative.

Cruise Line Liability for Violence, Assault, and Brawls

Shocking Cruise Accidents and Injuries at Sea

November 12, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Florida is a hub for cruise vacations, with millions of visitors from across the globe heading to Miami for cruises to the Caribbean and beyond. Around two dozen cruise lines operate out of Port Miami, and the vast majority of them return without incident. However, paradise can turn into a nightmare due to unexpected accidents at sea. You might be shocked to learn about some of the most disturbing and tragic disasters, some of which led to significant injuries and loss of life.

If you were injured on a cruise ship in Miami, you may be entitled to monetary damages for your losses. To ensure you receive fair compensation, it is smart to retain a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer who will guide you through the legal process. Plus, you can have a look at some of the most shocking cruise ship incidents and the types of injuries to passengers.

RMS Titanic: This 1912 disaster serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unpreparedness. While this tragedy happened over a century ago, it highlights the importance of proper safety protocols and emergency response measures. Thousands needlessly died due to a lack of lifeboats and related equipment.

Do Overboard Detection Systems Prevent Miami Cruise Accidents?

October 14, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Millions flock to Miami every year to set sail on exciting cruises. While safety is a top priority for cruise lines, accidents can still happen. One of the most concerning incidents is a passenger going overboard, and these emergencies seem to be on the rise. The Miami Herald reported that a cruise passenger overboard incident took place as recently as April 2024, and additional overboard emergencies have occurred globally as well.

While overboard detection systems are becoming more prevalent, it makes many cruise enthusiasts and potential passengers wonder about the technology. Plus, because accidents still happen, you might have concerns about your legal options if you were affected by an overboard incident. You should discuss your situation with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer to get details, but some background is informative.

How Do Overboard Detection Systems on Cruise Ships Work?

What is Arbitration in Cruise Accident Cases?

September 15, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

The basic timeline of a personal injury case typically includes filing an insurance claim and a lawsuit in court, with the possibility of settlement as a means of resolving the case. However, with cruise ship accidents in Miami, there is usually another step in the process because of the unique nature of these claims. You might be required to participate in a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) known as arbitration. The American Arbitration Association (AAA) notes a few of the clauses that may be included in your cruise vacation contract, which may indicate you are required to enter into arbitration.

The benefits of arbitration after a cruise ship accident include a shorter time to resolution, avoiding court, and reduced legal expenses. Plus, in most cases, you will still be able to file a lawsuit in court if the arbitration process does not result in a reasonable amount of damages. Your Miami cruise ship accident lawyer will handle all necessary tasks and represent you during the process, but some information about arbitration is useful.

Overview of the Arbitration Process

Miami Cruise Line Liability on Private Islands

August 15, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

As if there were not enough amenities and options for fun onboard, many cruise operators have purchased or leased private islands to extend the experience for passengers. A helpful online resource for information on cruise vacations, Cruise Critic, reports that seven of the major cruise operators own private islands. Several of these are islands in the Bahamas and Caribbean, so many of the cruises that depart Miami will include a stop at these locations. The amenities and attractions once ashore may vary by cruise line.

Unfortunately, the activities on a cruise operator’s private island can still lead to serious accidents. Therefore, the question about liability often arises, particularly whether you can hold the cruise line accountable for injuries that occur while on shore. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer will assist with your remedies, since these organization can be liable in many cases.

Overview of Cruise Ship Liability

Miami Cruise Ship Liability for Missing, Overboard Passengers

July 15, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

You might read occasional news reports about passengers who have gone missing or overboard while on Miami cruise ship vacations, so you may not realize that these incidents are tragically quite common. According to statistics revealed by Florida Today, a total of 386 passengers went overboard on cruises and ferry boats from 2000 to 2023. Between 2009 and 2019 alone, there were 212 incidents of crew or guests going overboard, and just 48 were rescued. The data on passengers who have gone missing from cruise vacations is also disturbing, though problems with reporting make it difficult to determine exact figures.

The grief and uncertainty are unimaginable if you lost a loved one on a cruise vacation in Florida, but it may be a comfort to know that you might have legal remedies. Cruise operators may be liable for missing or overboard passengers in some cases, and a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can assist with your legal remedies. Some background information is also useful.

Limited Chance of Survival for Overboard Passengers

What Happens When Miami Cruise Ships Lose Power?

June 15, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

It was a horrific scene in late March when a shipping container ship lost power in Baltimore, leading to a fatal collision and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. A similar incident occurred in Sydney Harbour, Australia, in February 2024 only the accident involved a cruise ship carrying hundreds of passengers. Unfortunately, it is quite common for cruise liners to lose power and become disabled. In many cases, the problems are resolved with assistance from land crews, tug boats, or other support.

However, the potential for serious accidents increases when cruise ships do not have power for essential systems. There are implications for the entire ship and operations, and these effects trickle down into hazards for unsuspecting passengers. It is crucial to discuss your legal remedies with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer if you were hurt because of lost power on board. Some additional information about what happens in these situations is also useful.

Impacts on Ship Operations