cruise ship accident and personal injury lawyer Tag Archives

Safety Concerns From Failed Cruise Ship Inspections

June 11, 2023 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

In a story that is just as likely to make you squeamish as downright fearful about safety on cruises, a Florida cruise line received the lowest score ever for an inspection. A news report covered the April 27, 2023, inspection conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and which revealed more than 50 violations of Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which was established to regulate cleanliness and hygiene on board. Not only do these violations threaten safety from illness, but some could even lead to cruise ship accidents.

The VSP exists for passenger safety, and cruise ships must meet the requirements to pass the inspection. In the recent case, the ship earned 67 out of 100; 85 points is a passing score. Operators will undoubtedly be working hard to get the vessel into compliance, and no injuries or illnesses have been reported. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer is essential if you were hurt in any type of incident on board, but it is interesting to understand what could have gone wrong – at the cost of passenger safety.

Food Preparation Issues

Cruise Ship Safety Rules Passengers Should Never Break

January 10, 2023 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Miami is the Cruise Capital of the World for good reason, being ideally located for sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, and other exciting destinations. As of 2023 figures, there are more than 20 cruise lines at Port Miami, operating 55 ships that cater to a range of passenger ages, interests, and budgets. There are different reasons you might choose one cruise line over another, but they all have one thing in common: Guests are bound to numerous rules during a cruise vacation, and they exist for the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all passengers.

Rules might seem like a hassle when you are on vacation and just want to experience the fun, but it is a mistake to violate them. Breaking the rules could result in being removed from the ship, ruining your trip. However, the stakes are higher when you do not follow safety requirements. You put yourself at risk of injury, and you could even harm your legal rights. You should consult with a Miami cruise ship accident attorney about details and review some of the key rules to never disobey.

No Smoking or Vaping

FAQs About Muster Drills on Miami Cruise Ships

October 21, 2022 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

After arriving in your cabin, getting settled, and preparing to head out for your favorite activities, the last thing you want to do is participate in the cruise ship muster drill. Few, if any, passengers look forward to the safety briefing on what they feel is a secure vessel. However, muster drills developed out of the last ship people mistakenly thought was unsinkable. After the sinking of the Titanic, the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) developed standards for helping passengers understand safety basics. The muster drill has been an essential part of the cruise experience ever since.

Cruise operators are required to conduct the muster drill within 24 hours after departure, so be ready to follow crew instructions. Failure to comply carries the serious consequences described below, and it could impact your rights if you are hurt in a Miami cruise ship accident. Some answers to FAQs should help you know what to expect.

What happens with a cruise ship muster drill?

Mistakes With Shore Excursions Could Lead to Serious Cruise Accidents

August 28, 2022 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Despite the major disruption across the global cruise industry in 2020, key performance indicators spell good news for passengers seeking sea-based adventures. In its publication on the state of the cruise industry, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reported a major uptick in cruise activity over the last few months and signs that passenger volume is returning to normal levels. Projections reveal that passenger volume will spike more than 12% by the end of 2026.

As more ships return to full capacity, you can also expect an expansive list of shore excursions to choose from to round out your cruise experience. There are adventures for all ages, interests, and fitness levels. While you mull options, it is important to avoid mistakes that could affect your dream trip. Some mishaps could even lead to injuries, so consulting with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer is essential if you were hurt. Consider the following points when reviewing shore excursions.

Failing to Book Through the Cruise Line

Tips for Miami Singles Cruises – and Singles Going on Cruises

June 17, 2022 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Yes, there is a difference, and it can be a significant one. Singles cruises are geared toward younger individuals, with activities, excursions, and events planned around the themes of meeting new people and breaking the ice. Being a single ON a cruise means you are a passenger enjoying amenities alongside families, couples, and often other solo travelers. There are numerous attractions with both scenarios, but they do share a common element: You are surrounded by strangers, at least initially. Though you may meet new friends and rely on cruise ship crew to do their job in terms of security, you are on your own in terms of protecting yourself.

As such, it is important to take into account a few safety tips for singles cruises and singles going on cruises. Plus, since you do have rights if you are injured, you can use some additional recommendations on what to do if you suffer harm in a Miami cruise ship accident.

Safety Tips for Singles on Cruise Vacations

How Miami Cruise Operators Handle Onboard Crime

January 28, 2022 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

When you board one of the enormous cruise ships that sail out of Miami and South Florida ports, you are essentially stepping onto a floating city. Unfortunately, this means the potential for criminal activity exists just as it does on land. The US Department of Transportation maintains a list of cruise line incident reports, and the good news is that most are related to public intoxication and crew swiftly diffuses conflict. However, sexual assault, violent attacks, theft, and related offenses are still a threat.

Cruise vessels have a wide array of amenities for passengers, but they are also equipped with much of the same infrastructure and personnel that you expect in a typical municipality. Despite efforts to establish safety initiatives and maintain skilled security staff, criminal activity is still a problem. You should consult with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer if you suffered harm, though it is also useful to know how cruise operators handle onboard crime.

Investigations of Criminal Activity

Seeking Damages for Soft Tissue Injuries on Cruise Ship Accidents

August 20, 2021 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

You could be at risk of soft tissue injuries going about your average day at home, so it stands to reason that you could suffer this type of trauma while enjoying an action-packed cruise vacation. Soft tissue injuries are quite common, as they can impact almost any muscle, muscle group, ligament, or tendon in the human body. Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine define numerous conditions in the category of soft tissue injuries, including:

Bruises;
Ligament sprains;

Sexual Assault on Miami Cruise Ship Vacations: Facts Victims Need to Know

June 20, 2021 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Sexual assault is a serious problem in Miami and throughout the US, but you never expect such a tragic offense to affect your cruise vacation. Unfortunately, statistics from the US Department of Transportation reveal that rape, sexual battery, molestation, and related crimes are not just confined to land. According to a publication on Cruise Line Incident Reports, there are approximately 100 reports of sexual assault every year worldwide on cruises operated by some of the biggest, most reputable operators. Not only is your trip of a lifetime horrifically damaged, but you could experience long-term physical and emotional consequences.

If you or a loved one suffered sexual assault on a cruise vacation, you should make it a priority get in touch with a Miami cruise ship attorney right away to discuss your options. It may also be helpful to review a few facts about the legal process.

Issues with reporting paint a distorted view of sexual assault on cruises. On the one hand, victims are often reluctant to notify crew about these incidents; however, the cruise lines themselves are not always truthful about sexual assault to avoid a PR catastrophe. Because they are “flagged” in countries other than the US, particularly the Bahamas, Jamaica, and other Caribbean nations, they are not subject to our laws that require reporting. Together, these factors make it difficult to assess the risk of sexual assault on cruises.

Cruise Ship Parasailing Accidents: Causes and Statistics

April 23, 2021 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Shore excursions are a fundamental part of cruise enjoyment, and many adventure-seekers will schedule extreme sports and other activities well in advance of their departure. One of the most popular water-based escapades is parasailing, an exciting ride that takes you as high as 300 feet in the air as you float on the breeze behind a power boat. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that an estimated 3 to 5 million people go parasailing every year, and the experience is exhilarating for the majority of them.

However, numerous parasailing accidents have been reported in recent years, causing serious injury and death. These tragedies are concerning to US officials, who cite a complete lack of federal regulation as posing a serious safety risk. It is even more disturbing to note that any proposed laws would not apply to many parasailing operators, since they offer their adventures through cruise companies at foreign ports-of-call. Such factors make parasailing injury claims complicated, so it is wise to retain an experienced Miami cruise ship accident lawyer for assistance with your case. You should also be aware of some additional statistics and causes of parasailing accidents on cruises.

Causes of Parasailing Accidents on Cruise Ship Excursions

Top Cruise Ship Accidents From Pools, Slides, and Other Water-Based Activities

March 22, 2021 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Regardless of which cruise line you choose, the length of your trip, or the size of the cruise liner, water-based recreation is a top attraction for cruise vacations. Children and adults alike enjoy the pools, hot tubs, waterslides, wave pools, and other features onboard; many shore excursions involve snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, skiing, parasailing, and many other activities. Still, all this fun does not come without risks. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), an estimated 320,000 people drown every year, making drowning the third most common cause of unintentional fatalities worldwide.

Though not all fatalities occur on cruises, the statistics should be disturbing for a key reason: When water attractions are the source of death and injury on land, you can expect that the frequency of accidents carries over to cruise ships and their numerous water attractions. If you or a loved one was hurt, time is of the essence to reach out to a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer. You can also protect your family when you know the top cruise ship accidents linked to water-based fun.

Drowning: With so many attractions onboard, it is no surprise that the third-leading cause of accidental death is a risk when cruising. Even when lifeguards are present, drowning can happen in less than a minute. Plus, if you suffer a head injury in a wave pool or while engaging in strenuous water activities, even the best swimmer may be unable to recover.