cruise accident lawyer

What Cruise Lines Do Not Want Injured Victims to Know About Their Rights

May 29, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

While you might be aware of your rights when injured in an accident on land, cruise ship accidents are a separate matter. Maritime law applies, so though you still have options, you need to meet distinct requirements. Of course, cruise companies hope you fail in these efforts because your claim affects their bottom line.

A Miami cruise ship accident attorney knows these details and will handle all legal tasks to protect your rights. Meanwhile, here are the facts that cruise companies do not want you to know.

There is a One-Year Deadline Cruise Lines Hope You Miss

Who is Liable for a Cruise Ship Injury? Your Legal Options Against Cruise Lines

May 22, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

When the unthinkable happens, and you are injured in a cruise ship accident, many questions will flood your mind. You will certainly want to know about your legal options, and acting promptly is essential. Federal maritime law allows cruise lines to shorten the statute of limitations to just one year, and your ticket probably does contain this short deadline.

For some victims, other questions relate to liability. There may be multiple potential parties involved in the circumstances that led to your injuries. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer will help you identify them.

Primary Liability: Can You Sue the Cruise Line for Negligence?

Disney Arrests Reveal Dark Side of Cruise Employment: Passenger Safety and Employee Vetting Failures

May 10, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

When families board a cruise ship, they trust that the crew surrounding their children has been carefully screened. A recent federal operation in San Diego shattered that assumption, as officials conducted an enforcement operation involving child sexual exploitation material (CSEM). According to the New York Post, agents arrested 28 crew members, including some from a Disney cruise vessel.

The incident exposes an alarming failure in cruise line employee vetting, resulting in families with young children being in close contact with dangerous criminal offenders. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer the potential remedies available, and some information about the relevant legal concepts is useful.

What is a Cruise Line’s Duty of Care to Passengers?

Why Cruise Lines are Automatically Responsible for Crew Member Assault

April 17, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Assault by a cruise ship employee is an unspeakable act, so it is a relief to know that US law safeguards victims. Federal criminal statutes empower the FBI to intervene if the vessel’s trip started or ended at a US port, and the penalties for a conviction are severe.

However, victims of crew member assault also have rights under maritime law, which enables them to seek compensation from the cruise operator. You may benefit from the concept of strict liability in such a case, and a cruise ship accident lawyer can explain the advantages to you.

How Strict Liability Applies to Cruise Ship Assault Cases

Can Miami Cruise Ship Medical Facilities Actually Handle Cardiac Arrest?

March 27, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

For cruise passengers with a heart condition, some figures about onboard cardiovascular events are concerning. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, while just 3% of visits to the ship medical center are for cardiovascular reasons, a whopping 80% of deaths on cruises are due to cardiovascular events.

This figure would not be acceptable for a land-based medical facility, so it reveals some significant shortcomings by cruise operators. You should discuss your options with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer if you or a loved one was affected, and read on for some important information.

Are Miami-Based Cruise Lines Prepared for 80% of Onboard Deaths?

Why Your Local Personal Injury Lawyer Can’t Handle Your Miami Cruise Case

March 6, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

You are likely familiar with local personal injury attorneys near you at home, but these practitioners are typically not the resources you need after being injured on a cruise out of South Florida. For numerous reasons, it is advisable to consult with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer who will pursue compensation for your losses.

Cruise Ship Injury Claims Must Be Filed in Federal Court

One major reason a personal injury lawyer cannot handle your Miami cruise case is jurisdiction. Most cruise tickets contain forum selection clauses requiring claims to be filed in federal court. Attorneys may rarely practice in this system if they focus only on car accidents and slip-and-falls, which are filed in Florida state court. Federal procedure, motion practice, and evidentiary standards differ significantly from state court rules.

What to Do (and NOT Do) if You are Injured on a Miami Cruise

February 27, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

The potential for accidents exists even in paradise on a cruise vacation, and the statistics reveal the risk to passengers. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 12 to 18 percent of all visits to onboard medical facilities are due to slips, trips, falls, and related injuries.

Fortunately, you have rights as an injured passenger, and your Miami cruise ship accident attorney will guide you through the process. However, some tips about what to do are useful.

Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene

Ship Doctor Negligence: Can You Sue a Cruise Line for Medical Malpractice?

January 30, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

You hope to never need medical services on your cruise vacation, but accidents happen. If you do seek care, you expect proper health care professionals to be onboard. Unfortunately, for decades, cruise operators protected themselves from liability for medical malpractice under rules established by the case of Barbetta v. SS Bermuda Star.

However, a recent shift in the legal framework now goes further to protect injured passengers. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can help you hold a cruise company accountable for substandard medical care, but read on for some basics.

Ship Doctor Negligence and Medical Malpractice on Cruises

Are Cruise Ships Liable for Accidents in Miami Ports and Terminals?

January 23, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

A woman’s smart thinking and quick action prevented tragedy during a recent cruise out of Miami, when she jumped off a dock into the water to save her 4-year-old daughter. According to a report in People Magazine, the child fell between the dock and the cruise ship. The pair were rescued and treated right away, but were clearly traumatized.

The incident raises serious questions about safety precautions in ports, as well as who is responsible for keeping passengers safe. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can explain the legal details because liability can be complicated by the presence of multiple potential parties.

When are Cruise Ships Liable for Passenger Injuries in Ports?

Fatal Cruise Ship Injuries Ruled Homicide, Lawsuit Filed in Miami

January 15, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

A woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a cruise operator after her fiancé’s death on board a ship in December 2024. According to a news report, the man was negligently served at least 33 alcoholic beverages, leading to intoxication and a drunken outburst. Crew used extreme and violent methods to detain him. These efforts led to his death, which was ultimately ruled a homicide.

Violent incidents occur frequently on cruises, and Miami cruise ship accident lawyers are essential in helping victims hold enormously profitable cruise lines accountable. Here are four things to know about the lawsuit to help you understand some basic legal issues.

Wrongful Death is a Type of Personal Injury Lawsuit