Experiencing a sexual assault is a traumatic and life-altering event, and when it happens on a cruise ship, the complexities of seeking justice can feel overwhelming. At Brais Law Firm, we understand the pain and confusion victims face and are committed to helping survivors pursue the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted on a cruise ship, you may be wondering, “Can I get money for being sexually assaulted on a cruise ship?” The answer is yes, you may be entitled to financial compensation, but navigating the legal process requires experienced maritime attorneys who understand the unique challenges of cruise ship assault cases.
With decades of experience in maritime and cruise ship law, our nationally recognized attorneys have secured millions for victims, including a $2.2 million settlement for a cruise ship sexual assault case. Let’s dive into what you need to know.
Understanding Your Legal Rights as a Cruise Ship Passenger
Cruise ship sexual assaults are not uncommon, and they often occur due to negligence on the part of the cruise line, such as inadequate security, failure to screen employees, or insufficient training. As a passenger, you have legal rights under maritime law, which governs incidents occurring on navigable waters. Federal statutes, international treaties, and federal common law provide a framework for holding cruise lines accountable for incidents caused by their negligence or failure to ensure passenger safety.
If you’ve been sexually assaulted on a cruise ship, you may be able to file a claim against the cruise line, the perpetrator, or other responsible parties. However, these cases are complex because cruise ships operate under maritime jurisdiction, often involving international waters, multiple legal systems, and contractual limitations set by the cruise line’s passenger ticket.
Types of Compensation Available for Sexual Assault Victims
Victims of sexual assault on a cruise ship may be eligible for various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the incident and the extent of the harm suffered. Compensation may cover:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for medical treatment, therapy, or counseling to address physical and emotional injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the assault.
- Lost Wages: If the assault impacts your ability to work, you may recover compensation for lost income or earning capacity.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter future wrongdoing.
- Other Damages: Additional costs, such as travel expenses for medical care or relocation, may also be recoverable.
For example, Brais Law Firm secured a $2.2 million settlement for a client who suffered a sexual assault on a cruise ship. While every case is unique, this demonstrates the potential for significant financial recovery with the right legal representation.
Challenges in Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Cases
Pursuing a claim for sexual assault on a cruise ship involves several challenges:
- Jurisdictional Issues: Cruise ships often sail under foreign flags, and incidents may occur in international waters, complicating the legal process. Determining which court has jurisdiction and which laws apply requires specialized knowledge of maritime law.
- Time Limitations: Cruise line passenger tickets often include strict deadlines for filing claims, sometimes as short as six months. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your case.
- Proving Negligence: To recover compensation, you must prove that the cruise line’s negligence—such as inadequate security or failure to screen crew members—contributed to the assault. This often requires expert testimony and thorough investigation.
- Corporate Defenses: Cruise lines are backed by powerful legal teams and insurance companies that may attempt to minimize or deny liability. They may argue that the assault was an isolated incident or that the victim contributed to the situation.
At Brais Law Firm, our attorneys are well-versed in overcoming these challenges. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of maritime law, we know how to build strong cases that hold cruise lines accountable.
Why Maritime Law Matters
Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs incidents on navigable waters, including cruise ships. Unlike typical personal injury cases, cruise ship sexual assault claims fall under federal maritime law, which has unique rules and procedures. For instance, the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) or the Jones Act may apply in certain cases, depending on whether the victim is a passenger or crew member.
Additionally, cruise lines often include clauses in their passenger tickets that limit their liability or require disputes to be resolved in specific jurisdictions, such as Florida courts for many U.S.-based cruise lines. An experienced maritime attorney can navigate these complexities to ensure your rights are protected.
How Brais Law Firm Can Help
Brais Law Firm is a nationally recognized leader in maritime and cruise ship law, with a proven track record of securing millions for victims of negligence and assault. Here’s why you can trust us to handle your case:
- Experience and Expertise: Firm founder Keith Brais is one of the few maritime attorneys with hands-on experience working aboard ships and offshore oil rigs, giving him a unique perspective on the dangers passengers and crew face. He is also board-certified in Admiralty and Maritime Law by the Florida Bar, a distinction held by only a handful of attorneys.
- Client-Centered Approach: We represent real people, not corporations or insurance companies. Our team is dedicated to putting people over profit, fighting to hold negligent cruise lines accountable for their failure to prioritize safety.
- Proven Results: Our firm has secured significant settlements and verdicts, including $19.9 million for a resort guest injury, $6.8 million for a crew member injury, and $2.2 million for a cruise ship sexual assault case.
- Comprehensive Support: From investigating the incident to securing expert testimony and negotiating with cruise lines, we handle every aspect of your case to ensure the best possible outcome.
Our clients’ testimonials reflect our commitment to excellence. One client described Keith Brais as a “superhero” attorney who made them feel comfortable and confident throughout the legal process. Another praised the firm’s professionalism, noting a favorable recovery in a cruise ship slip-and-fall case.
Steps to Take After a Sexual Assault on a Cruise Ship
If you’ve been sexually assaulted on a cruise ship, taking the following steps can strengthen your case:
- Report the Incident: Immediately report the assault to the ship’s security team and request a written report. Also, notify local authorities at the next port of call.
- Seek Medical Attention: Obtain medical care to address any physical injuries and document the assault for legal purposes.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep any clothing, photographs, or other evidence related to the incident. Avoid washing clothing or disturbing the scene if possible.
- Contact a Maritime Attorney: Reach out to an experienced maritime lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your rights and ensure you meet any filing deadlines.
Brais Law Firm offers free and confidential consultations to help you understand your options. Call us at 800-499-0551 to speak with one of our compassionate attorneys.
Why Choose Brais Law Firm?
At Brais Law Firm, we are fueled by a passion for helping survivors rebuild their lives after devastating incidents like sexual assault. Our team of trial lawyers thrives in the courtroom, investing time and resources to secure medical and liability experts to prove your case. We understand that cruise lines often prioritize profit over safety, and we are committed to holding them accountable for their negligence.
If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted on a cruise ship, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Don’t let jurisdictional complexities or strict deadlines prevent you from seeking justice. Contact our cruise ship rape attorneys today at 800-499-0551 for a free consultation. Let our experienced maritime attorneys fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
