If you’ve been injured on a cruise ship, you may feel overwhelmed, confused, and unsure about your next steps. A cruise is meant to be a relaxing escape, but an injury can turn your vacation into a nightmare. At Brais Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll such incidents can take. As a nationally recognized maritime law firm with decades of experience, we’re here to guide you through your legal rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Maritime Law and Cruise Ship Injuries
Cruise ship injuries fall under the purview of admiralty and maritime law, a specialized area of law governed by federal statutes, international treaties, and federal common law. Unlike accidents on land, injuries that occur on navigable waters are subject to unique legal principles. Whether you slipped on a wet deck, were injured during a shore excursion, or suffered due to inadequate medical care onboard, maritime law dictates how your claim is handled.
At Brais Law Firm, our attorneys are well-versed in maritime law, with firm founder Keith Brais bringing over seven years of hands-on experience working aboard ships and offshore oil rigs. This real-world perspective allows us to understand the dangers passengers face and build compelling cases to secure justice.
Common Types of Cruise Ship Injuries
Cruise ship injuries can occur in various ways, often due to negligence or unsafe conditions. Some of the most common incidents we handle include:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Wet decks, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained areas can lead to serious injuries like fractures or traumatic brain injuries.
- Shore Excursion Accidents: Excursions booked through the cruise line, such as snorkeling or zip-lining, can result in injuries if operators fail to prioritize safety.
- Food Poisoning: Unsanitary conditions in onboard kitchens can cause severe illness, requiring medical attention and recovery time.
- Inadequate Medical Care: Cruise ships are required to provide reasonable medical care, but substandard facilities or untrained staff can worsen injuries.
- Sexual Assault: Tragically, assaults can occur onboard, often due to inadequate security measures.
- Automatic Door Malfunctions: Faulty doors can cause crush injuries or other harm.
Each of these scenarios may entitle you to compensation, depending on the circumstances and the negligence involved.
Your Legal Rights as an Injured Cruise Ship Passenger
If you’ve been injured on a cruise ship, you have specific legal rights under maritime law. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Right to a Safe Environment
Cruise lines have a legal obligation to provide a reasonably safe environment for passengers. This includes maintaining the ship, ensuring proper safety protocols, and addressing hazards promptly. If the cruise line’s negligence—such as failing to fix a slippery deck or hiring unqualified staff—caused your injury, you may have a valid claim.
2. Right to Compensation for Injuries
If you’ve suffered physical injuries, emotional trauma, or financial losses due to a cruise ship incident, you may be entitled to compensation. Damages can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. For example, Brais Law Firm secured $2.2 million for a cruise passenger who suffered a sexual assault and $19.9 million for a resort guest injury, demonstrating our ability to achieve significant recoveries.
3. Right to Pursue a Claim Under Maritime Law
Maritime law allows passengers to file claims against cruise lines for negligence. However, these cases are complex due to the unique legal framework and strict deadlines. For instance, most cruise line passenger contracts require you to file a claim within one year of the injury, much shorter than typical personal injury statutes of limitations.
4. Right to Representation
You have the right to hire an experienced maritime attorney to represent you. At Brais Law Firm, we exclusively represent individuals, never cruise lines or corporations. Our team has a proven track record, including a perfect 5.0 client review rating and millions recovered for clients like you.
Challenges in Cruise Ship Injury Cases
Pursuing a cruise ship injury claim can be challenging due to several factors:
- Jurisdictional Issues: Cruise lines often operate under international flags, complicating the legal process. Determining where to file your claim requires expert knowledge of maritime law.
- Contractual Limitations: Your cruise ticket is a contract that may include clauses limiting the cruise line’s liability or requiring disputes to be resolved in specific courts, often in Florida.
- Proving Negligence: You must demonstrate that the cruise line’s negligence directly caused your injury. This often requires expert testimony, which Brais Law Firm secures to strengthen your case.
- Corporate Accountability: Cruise lines are large corporations with teams of lawyers working to minimize liability. Without skilled representation, you may face an uphill battle.
Our firm is equipped to navigate these challenges, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is presented effectively.
How Brais Law Firm Can Help
At Brais Law Firm, we’re dedicated to putting people over profit. Our maritime attorneys have decades of experience handling cruise ship injury cases, from slip and falls to catastrophic shore excursion accidents. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Free and Confidential Consultations: We offer no-cost consultations to evaluate your case and explain your rights. Call us at 800-499-0551 to get started.
- Comprehensive Investigations: We thoroughly investigate your incident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting medical and liability experts to build a strong case.
- Aggressive Representation: Our trial lawyers thrive in the courtroom, fighting to hold cruise lines accountable for their negligence.
- Personalized Support: As our client testimonials highlight, we provide compassionate guidance, standing by your side throughout the process. One client described Keith Brais as a “superhero attorney,” reflecting our commitment to exceptional service.
Real Results for Real People
Our firm has secured millions in settlements and verdicts for clients. Notable cases include:
- $2.2 Million for a Cruise Passenger Sexual Assault: We fought for justice for a victim of assault due to inadequate security.
- $19.9 Million for a Resort Guest Injury: Our team secured a life-changing recovery for a client injured due to negligence.
- Jury Trial Victory Against Carnival Cruise Lines: We won a case for a passenger who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury, proving the cruise line’s liability.
These results demonstrate our ability to achieve justice for clients facing complex maritime claims.
Steps to Take After a Cruise Ship Injury
If you’re injured on a cruise ship, take these steps to protect your rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit the ship’s medical facility or a doctor onshore to document your injuries.
- Report the Incident: Notify the cruise line immediately and request a written report.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, collect witness contact information, and keep your cruise ticket and receipts.
- Contact a Maritime Attorney: Reach out to Brais Law Firm as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the strict deadlines.
Why Choose Brais Law Firm?
With a perfect 5.0 client review rating and a passion for helping individuals, Brais Law Firm is your trusted advocate. Keith Brais is one of the few maritime attorneys board-certified by the Florida Bar in Admiralty and Maritime Law, bringing unparalleled expertise to your case. We understand the tactics cruise lines use to avoid liability and are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one was injured on a cruise ship, don’t let corporate negligence go unchallenged. Contact Brais Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. Our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of maritime law and secure the justice you deserve.
