Miami cruise ships are subject to strict rules and regulations, giving passengers confidence that their safety is a priority. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 (CVSSA) establishes security and safety requirements for cruise operators. However, you might have concerns about what happens if a member of your group is injured during a shore excursion off the ship.
Fortunately, you can sue a cruise line for excursion injuries under Florida law if the cruise line failed to properly vet or supervise the excursion provider. Victims may hold the cruise line or third parties liable for negligence that caused the injury. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can assist with filing a claim and seeking compensation, but an overview is also helpful.
Cruise Line Liability for Injuries Off the Ship
If you were injured during a shore excursion, the cruise line may still be held liable, even if the accident happened off the ship. Many cruise lines arrange excursions through third-party vendors, but that does not automatically release them from responsibility.
Under Florida law, especially in Miami, cruise lines can be held accountable if they failed to properly vet, supervise, or warn about the risks of a particular tour. Your cruise ticket may include fine print, but courts may still allow claims under certain conditions.
Who Else is Liable for Excursion Injuries on a Cruise in Miami?
Aside from the cruise line, other parties could be held liable for excursion injuries in Miami. The following parties may all share responsibility if their negligence contributed to your accident:
- Tour operators
- Transportation companies
- Local guides
- Adventure outfitters
Florida law allows injured cruise passengers to file claims against these third parties when unsafe conditions or reckless conduct are involved.
Common Excursion Accidents During Cruises Departing from Miami
Shore excursion accidents can occur in many ways. When departing from Miami, many popular excursions involve water activities and uneven terrain, which pose injury risks if safety is not prioritized. Other common incidents include:
- Falls during hiking
- Accidents during zipline tours
- Boat or jet ski collisions
- Bus crashes
- Accidents at beach resorts
- Slip and falls at historic sites
Steps to Take After a Shore Excursion Injury on a Cruise in Miami
If you have suffered an excursion injury during a cruise from Miami, a few tips are helpful.
- Report the incident to the cruise line
- Request a written report.
- Seek immediate medical attention, whether onboard or at a local facility.
- Gather contact information for witnesses and take photos of the scene.
- Consult with a Miami-based cruise injury lawyer to understand your legal rights.
Our Miami Cruise Ship Accident Attorneys are Standing By
While you can sue a cruise line for excursion injuries, your legal remedies can be complicated. At Gerson & Schwartz, PA, our attorneys focus on cruise line accident claims and understand the unique legal issues involved with injuries that happen off the ship. Whether your cruise departed from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, we’re here to help. To discuss your options, go online or call (305) 371-6000 to schedule a free consultation.