Florida Cruise Ship Accident Attorney

Florida Cruise Ship Accident Attorneys, Representing Clients in the State of Florida

Florida’s major ports, including PortMiami, Port Everglades, and Port Canaveral, host some of the world’s busiest cruise terminals. Numerous cruise lines base their operations in these ports, while many others include Florida’s ports as key stops year-round. If you’ve been injured on a cruise ship departing from or visiting any Florida port, you have specific legal protections under U.S. maritime law. These rights cover incidents occurring on the ship or during shore excursions linked to your cruise. To effectively assert these rights and navigate the complex legal process, you will need an experienced cruise ship injury attorney licensed in Florida. Our lawyers at Brais Law Firm can evaluate your case, gather critical evidence, and advocate for fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, ensuring your claim is filed within strict maritime law deadlines.

The Lawyers at Brais Law Firm Know How To Fight When it Comes to Florida Cruise Ship Accident Cases

At Brais Law Firm, our attorneys bring decades of experience representing cruise passengers, crew members, and their families across Florida. We leverage this expertise to hold cruise lines accountable for your injury-related losses throughout the state.

Before founding Brais Law to exclusively champion the rights of injured individuals, Keith Brais spent nearly 20 years defending cruise lines against injury claims. He earned recognition as a Florida board-certified expert in admiralty and maritime law, receiving numerous accolades for his excellence.

A pivotal case victory left Keith unsettled, prompting him to switch sides. He established a firm dedicated to providing personalized attention and securing the compensation injured passengers and crew members deserve.

Meet Our Attorney

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With more than 50 years of combined trial experience, Keith Brais, a B.S. Marine Engineering graduate from Massachusetts Maritime Academy and former offshore oil drilling platform worker, leads our firm with a distinctive mix of maritime industry insight and legal acumen. As a Board-Certified expert in Maritime and Admiralty Law, Keith holds prestigious recognitions, including Martindale-Hubbell’s “AV” Preeminent rating, Florida’s Legal Elite, Super Lawyers, and inclusion in America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, among numerous other honors.

Meet The Rest of The Team

Contact the Firm That Isn’t Intimidated by Cruise Line Insurance Companies

If you have suffered a serious injury in any type of accident onboard a cruise ship—whether due to a slippery surface, inadequate maintenance, lack of supervision, a drunk passenger, or any other factor beyond your control—contact our cruise ship accident attorneys right away. We never back down when it comes to protecting our client’s rights.

Are You Entitled to Financial Compensation for Your Cruise Ship Injury?

Cruise ship passengers, crew members, and their families can file claims for financial compensation following all types of injuries and illnesses. If you or a loved one has been injured on a cruise, do you have a claim? If your answer is “Yes” to any of the following questions, you should speak with our Florida cruise ship accident lawyer about your legal rights as soon as possible.

Did You Get Injured on a Cruise Ship?

Cruise ship passengers face a variety of health and safety risks onboard. When accidents lead to injuries, passengers will often have claims against the cruise line for just compensation. For example, some common causes of cruise ship accidents for which passengers can seek financial compensation include:

Accidents involving bad weather or rough seas
Casino and dance floor accidents
Collisions with other passengers or objects
Elevator and escalator accidents
Falls caused by spills and other hazards
Falls overboard
FlowRider accidents
Swimming pool and waterslide accidents

Did You Get Sick on a Cruise Ship?

Cruise ship passengers may seek compensation if they fall ill onboard due to negligence. Cruise lines must safeguard passengers against foodborne and communicable diseases. If they fail to implement adequate health protection measures, such as proper food handling, sanitation, or outbreak prevention protocols, you could have a valid claim for substantial financial compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.

Were You Injured During a Shore Excursion?

For many cruise ship passengers, going on shore excursions is one of the primary attractions of cruising. Unfortunately, many shore excursions are not as safe as they should be, with issues ranging from poorly maintained equipment to inexperienced and unqualified staff. Even when cruise lines do not operate shore excursions themselves, they can often be held liable for accidents that happen in the water and onshore.

For example, if a cruise line recommends a particular excursion company, it may have a duty to warn of potential risks, and it may be legally responsible when passengers get injured due to relying on its recommendation. Our lawyers represent passengers and families following all types of shore excursion accidents in Florida, including accidents involving swimming, snorkeling, jet skis, hiking, and other activities.

Were You Sexually Assaulted On a Cruise Ship?

Along with protecting passengers from accident-related injuries and onboard illnesses, cruise lines also have a duty to protect their passengers from rapes and sexual assaults. If the cruise line failed to protect you, then they, along with the perpetrator, can be held accountable. Our Florida cruise ship accident lawyers can guide you through this difficult process. You focus on recovery while we tenaciously pursue damages for what happened.

Are You a Cruise Ship Crew Member Who Has Gotten Hurt or Sick on the Job?

Cruise ship crew members encounter numerous occupational hazards, including risks shared with passengers, such as slipping on decks or consuming contaminated food. Our firm represents both passengers and crew members injured or ill due to work-related incidents on cruise ships. If you reside in Miami or work on a cruise ship docking there, our injury lawyers can assist you in pursuing your rights under the Jones Act.

Awards & Legal Memberships

Why Hire Brais Law Firm

Over 70 Years & 100 Trials of Collective Experience

The attorneys within and “of counsel” to our firm have more than 70 years and 100 trials of collective experience trying cases before judges and juries.

Board Certified Expert in Maritime & Admiralty Law

Keith Brais is among a select number of attorneys who have achieved board certification in maritime law by the Florida Bar.

“Protecting Rights and Restoring Lives”

Our mission statement is “Protecting Rights and Restoring Lives.” These are not merely words. We have the experience to protect your rights, the compassion to serve your needs and the skill to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Award Winning Legal Team

The members of our legal team have received numerous awards and accolades throughout the course of their careers, including being “AV Preeminent rated with Martindale Hubbell and named as members of both Super Lawyers and Legal Elite.

Real World Experience in the Maritime Industry

Keith Brais graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a B.S. degree in marine engineering. Over his seven plus years working aboard ships and offshore oil rigs, he acquired three U.S. Coast Guard Licenses (now inactive).

First-Hand Knowledge of Opposition

The attorneys at our firm represented maritime employers, cruise lines, insurance companies and other major players in the maritime industry for nearly 20 years. These “blue chip” marine employers and insurers can and do hire only the best available attorneys. The attorneys with Brais Law Firm now put their expertise and experience to fight for the rights of the individuals who have suffered serious personal injury or wrongful death of a loved one.

Exclusively Representing Injured Individuals

At Brais Law Firm we focus our efforts on helping individuals, not insurance companies, cruise lines, corporations or marine employers. Our firm is here to help you and your family.

Track Record of Success

Every maritime injury and cruise ship accident lawyer at our firm is focused on getting individuals the compensation they deserve. Since deciding to help only personal injury or wrongful death clients, we have proudly secured nearly $100 million for our clients.

Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Partner Keith Brais is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members of this prestigious group of trial lawyers.

Even If Your Cruise Line was Only Visiting Florida, You Have Legal Protections under Local Maritime Laws

Our attorneys also handle all types of injury claims against cruise lines that visit Florida as a port of call. This includes the following cruise lines headquartered in the U.S. and abroad:

AIDA
Hapag-Lloyd
Hurtigruten
P&O Cruises

Phoenix
Princess Cruises
SAGA
Scenic Luxury Cruises

Seabourn
TUI Cruises
Windstar Cruises

No matter where your cruise line or ship is based, if your cruise includes a stop in Florida, consult a Florida cruise ship accident lawyer to understand your legal rights. Brais Law Firm represents clients from all 50 U.S. states and worldwide, with a strong track record of securing fair compensation for passengers, crew, and their families under U.S. maritime law.

Perfect 5.0 Client Review Rating Actual Client Testimonials

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Cruise Ship Crew Member Injury

“I was in pain for a good 6 months, it was just a nightmare. It wasn’t until I got Mr. Brais that I really started getting the help I needed from the doctors. You need somebody you can trust, somebody to give you some guidance. They stuck in there with me the whole way.”

— Client

I highly recommend Brais Law Firm

“I highly recommend Brais Law Firm. Their professionalism and expertise were top notch. My slip and fall injury case involved a well known cruise ship and was nerve racking to me. They calmed all my fears and walked me through step by step. In the end they helped me obtain a favorable recovery. Look no further, call them with your Maritime case!!!”

— P.C.

Tug & Barge Crew Member Death

“I just thought he [Mr. Brais] was the man to do it. I felt comfortable with him being by my side. The pain my family has suffered has been immeasurable, but he was there with me. It’s not just him, it’s his team also. Keith really stood up for my son. I know I made the best choice.”

— Client

I recommend Keith Brais

“I was in an accident where I was struck by a boat and boat propeller. The Brais Law Firm represented me in a very professional manner. I am very satisfied with the service and support I received from the firm and happy with the results they achieved. I recommend Keith Brais and his firm to anyone needing representation related to a maritime personal injury.”

— M.C.

Resort Guest Injury

“As we worked with Keith, I realized what would have happened had we just selected an attorney in town…I realized that the outcome would have been probably entirely different, and not as successful as it was. I felt very comfortable going through with the whole process. I would say Keith is a superhero.”

— Client

Read Our Google Reviews

We Fought On Their Behalf, Hear What They Have To Say

Cruise Ship Crew Member Injury – Client

Tug & Barge Crew Member Death – Client

Resort Guest Injury – Client

How We Prove Negligence to Protect Your Rights

To pursue financial compensation for a cruise ship injury or illness, your attorney will need substantial evidence. While our experienced legal team will thoroughly investigate and secure necessary documents from the cruise line, providing certain evidence yourself can strengthen your case. Please bring the following items, if available, to your free initial consultation:

Photos or videos from the accident scene
Medical records from your time in the cruise ship’s infirmary
Names of any family members or other witnesses who know what happened
Your cruise ticket or excursion ticket and any other relevant documentation
Any documentation you received from the cruise line after reporting your injury or illness

FAQs: Filing a Claim for a Cruise Ship Injury in Florida

What Should I Do Immediately After A Cruise Ship Accident To Protect My Legal Rights?

Where And When Must I File A Lawsuit For A Cruise Ship Injury?

Can I Hold The Cruise Line Liable For My Injuries, And What Compensation Might I Receive?

What Should I Do Immediately After A Cruise Ship Accident To Protect My Legal Rights?

People often ask about the critical steps to take following an injury on a cruise ship. Attorneys advise reporting the incident to the ship’s security or management immediately and requesting a copy of the official report. Seeking medical attention onboard and obtaining medical records is also crucial. Documenting the scene with photos, gathering witness contact information, and avoiding signing any documents or giving statements without legal consultation are recommended to strengthen a potential claim.

Where And When Must I File A Lawsuit For A Cruise Ship Injury?

A common concern is understanding the jurisdiction and deadlines for filing a claim. Most cruise lines, headquartered in Florida, include a “venue selection clause” in their passenger ticket contracts, requiring lawsuits to be filed in federal court in Miami or other specified Florida locations, regardless of where the incident occurred. Additionally, there’s typically a one-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, and some contracts require written notice of a claim within six months.

Can I Hold The Cruise Line Liable For My Injuries, And What Compensation Might I Receive?

Clients frequently inquire whether the cruise line can be held responsible and what damages they may recover. Attorneys explain that cruise lines can be liable for negligence, such as failure to maintain safe conditions or provide adequate security. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other economic or non-economic damages, depending on the case. The complexity of maritime law makes experienced legal representation essential to prove liability and maximize recovery.

If You Don’t Know What To Do, Call Us for An Initial Consultation at No Charge

Cruise ship accident cases can be complicated but it’s important to know that you do have rights under state, federal and international maritime laws. Contact us today to schedule a time to speak with a cruise ship accident attorney in Florida. Call 800-499-0551 or tell us how we can reach you online to get a free consultation.

Florida Cruise Ship Accident Attorney