Passenger Claims

In 1977, when The Love Boat television series premiered on American television, less than one million passengers cruised from ports in the United States. Today, over three million passengers embark annually on cruise ships from the Port of Miami alone. Many other passengers cruise from Tampa, Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades).

Unfortunately, some passengers are injured during these voyages. Most passengers are uncertain whether their injuries are compensable, what law applies to their situation, and when their claim must be filed. Complicating matters is the fact that most claims have to be filed in the jurisdiction where the cruise line is located, such as Miami. After returning to their home state or country, many passengers are hesitant to file suit against a large corporation in a distant jurisdiction.

The firm is qualified to provide passengers with advice regarding whether there is a basis to file suit, what compensation is potentially recoverable if litigation is commenced, and what defenses the cruise line will raise. The types of cases handled by the firm include:

• Trips and slips due to slippery substances and dangerous surfaces.
• Falls in cabins and on decks, stairways, ladders and ramps.
• Injuries while on shore excursions.
• Fires and collisions at sea.
• Viruses, gastroenteritis and illnesses caused by contaminated food and beverages.
• Failure to provide appropriate medical treatment.
• Failure to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
• Physical & sexual assaults by crew members.

For general information regarding the rights of passengers on cruise ships, please see "Passenger Rights and Wrongs", an interview with James Walker recently published in about.com's cruise related web site.