Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Blog
Perhaps contrary to popular belief, criminal acts run rampant on cruise ships. This in large part is due to the extreme lack of security personnel. For instance, and unfortunately, cruises do not have law enforcement officers on board. However, cruise lines do employ their own security personnel. These security personnel are trained to maintain the safety on cruise ships and to protect evidence of a crime. Even with these special security figures, crime remains commonplace on cruises.
Recently, on the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas cruise ship, Jason Lawson, 32 years of age, was charged for an attack on a 13-year-old boy. Lawson’s 13-year-old daughter also attended the cruise ship and was offered a keychain for her virginity by said 13-year-old boy. Lawson is accused of assisting Arturno Martinez Jr., 30, assault the young boy. In short, Lawson now faces battery, false imprisonment and additional charges from this incident. The other attacker, Martinez, was charged with child abuse, assault, battery and false imprisonment of a child. At the time of this incident, Lawson forced the 13-year-old boy to apologize to his daughter. Minutes later, the 13-year-old girl’s uncle, Martinez, cornered the young boy in the cruise ship’s library and began to beat him. At the same time, Lawson watched and blocked the boy’s escape.
If you or a loved one are a victim of a crime, it is imperative you hire an experienced attorney. The Miami crime victim lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz, PA provide high quality legal representation. For more information call us toll free at 1-877-475-2905 or contact us online to set up a FREE initial consultation.
Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010
In effort to resolve the blatant lack of sufficient security on cruises, and to make cruise ship traveling safer, Congress passed the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 (“CVSSA”). This Act addresses cruise ship safety issues. These include sexual violence prevention and victim response. This act helps ensure that victims have easy access to medical attention, have a sexual assault forensic exam on board, and a report is made if sexual violence does take place.
The CVSSA carries several rights that cruise ship passengers should be aware of. For one, you are entitled to a security guide, a written summary that details who to speak with and where to go if a crime takes place. The security guide is required to include criminal law procedures for crimes that are committed in waters the vessel may travel during the voyage. As noted above, you also have the right to a sexual assault forensic exam on board the vessel. Cruise ships are specifically required to have this equipment should a sexual assault occur. In addition, you have the right to confidentiality when you make a request and receive these support services. Any help or information requested or received during this process must remain confidential.
Hire an Attorney for your Case
If you or a loved one is a victim of a crime on a cruise ship, it is vital that you hire an attorney for your case. The Miami maritime lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz, PA have the experience and knowledge needed to protect you. Our firm specializes representing crime victims at sea. At Gerson & Schwartz, PA all of our lawyers licensed to practice law in all Florida state and federal courts. We provide aggressive quality legal representation. For more information and a FREE consultation call us toll free at 1-877-475-2905 or contact us online.