Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Blog

Why Cruise Lines are Automatically Responsible for Crew Member Assault

Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:55:52 +0000

Assault by a cruise ship employee is an unspeakable act, so it is a relief to know that US law safeguards victims. Federal criminal statutes empower the FBI to intervene if the vessel’s trip started or ended at a US port, and the penalties for a conviction are severe.

However, victims of crew member assault also have rights under maritime law, which enables them to seek compensation from the cruise operator. You may benefit from the concept of strict liability in such a case, and a cruise ship accident lawyer can explain the advantages to you.

How Strict Liability Applies to Cruise Ship Assault Cases

How Long Do I Have to File a Cruise Ship Injury Claim?

Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:57:52 +0000

When the unthinkable happens and you suffer injuries on a Miami cruise vacation, it may be reassuring to know that you have legal recourse. However, Florida law, including the two-year statute of limitations, does not apply to this type of case. Your remedies are rooted in maritime law, which enables you to seek compensation for your losses.

Victims have a short deadline in cruise injury claims, and your rights depend on taking prompt action. You can trust your Miami cruise ship accident lawyer to handle essential tasks, but there are some important time limitations to know.

Cruise Ship Injury Claims Have Stricter Deadlines

Miami Cruise Ticket Clauses That Could Make or Break Your Injury Claim

Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 08:54:27 +0000

When you are looking forward to a hard-earned dream vacation, you probably do not focus on the fine print of your cruise ticket. Therefore, there are certain clauses that might surprise you because of how they affect your rights after an accident. You should discuss details with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer to understand the impact of these cruise ticket clauses that could make or break your injury claim.

The Forum Selection Clause Requires Filing in Miami

Hidden within the fine print of your cruise ticket is a critical provision that dictates exactly where you are permitted to file a lawsuit. For most major lines, the contract mandates that all injury claims be litigated in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida, located in Miami.

Can Miami Cruise Ship Medical Facilities Actually Handle Cardiac Arrest?

Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:51:54 +0000

For cruise passengers with a heart condition, some figures about onboard cardiovascular events are concerning. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, while just 3% of visits to the ship medical center are for cardiovascular reasons, a whopping 80% of deaths on cruises are due to cardiovascular events.

This figure would not be acceptable for a land-based medical facility, so it reveals some significant shortcomings by cruise operators. You should discuss your options with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer if you or a loved one was affected, and read on for some important information.

Are Miami-Based Cruise Lines Prepared for 80% of Onboard Deaths?

Why are Most Cruise Ship Injury Lawsuits Filed in Miami?

Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:47:40 +0000

If you were injured on a Miami cruise, you might be surprised to learn that your lawsuit must likely be filed here. As a premier global cruise hub, the federal court in South Florida is the mandatory legal venue for most passenger injury claims due to specific clauses in cruise line ticket contracts.

However, the laws protect you equally, and the legal process for recovering compensation remains the same. You can rely on your Miami cruise ship accident attorney for filing requirements, but a legal overview is useful.

Why Cruise Lines Require Lawsuits to be Filed in Miami

Beyond the Slip and Fall: Five Hidden Dangers on Miami Cruise Ships

Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 23:43:22 +0000

You hear high-profile stories about passengers going overboard on cruises, but the reality is far from the hype. Just 1 or 2 overboard incidents occur monthly, out of the 2.5 million people cruising during that time. You are far more likely to suffer injuries due to cruise ship negligence, and slips and falls are common.

However, there are many other dangers that put you at risk when cruise operators fail in their duty to keep passengers safe. Discuss your options with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer if you were hurt due to:

Swimming Pool and Water Slide Accidents

Why Your Local Personal Injury Lawyer Can’t Handle Your Miami Cruise Case

Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:41:08 +0000

You are likely familiar with local personal injury attorneys near you at home, but these practitioners are typically not the resources you need after being injured on a cruise out of South Florida. For numerous reasons, it is advisable to consult with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer who will pursue compensation for your losses.

Cruise Ship Injury Claims Must Be Filed in Federal Court

One major reason a personal injury lawyer cannot handle your Miami cruise case is jurisdiction. Most cruise tickets contain forum selection clauses requiring claims to be filed in federal court. Attorneys may rarely practice in this system if they focus only on car accidents and slip-and-falls, which are filed in Florida state court. Federal procedure, motion practice, and evidentiary standards differ significantly from state court rules.

What to Do (and NOT Do) if You are Injured on a Miami Cruise

Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:31:11 +0000

The potential for accidents exists even in paradise on a cruise vacation, and the statistics reveal the risk to passengers. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 12 to 18 percent of all visits to onboard medical facilities are due to slips, trips, falls, and related injuries.

Fortunately, you have rights as an injured passenger, and your Miami cruise ship accident attorney will guide you through the process. However, some tips about what to do are useful.

Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene

Why Cruise Lines Deny Injury Claims After a Miami Cruise Accident

Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:02:22 +0000

When your trip of a lifetime suddenly turns tragic because of a cruise ship accident, you at least gain some comfort knowing you have legal remedies. Unfortunately, injured victims typically encounter significant pushback when they attempt to enforce their rights. Miami cruise operators fall back on a variety of defenses to deny claims and protect their own bottom line.

Miami cruise ship accident lawyers are familiar with these tactics, so they develop solid strategies to challenge denials and get fair compensation for passengers. Some background is important.

Common Reasons Why Cruise Lines Deny Injury Claims

Can You Sue a Cruise Line for Shore Excursion Accidents in the Bahamas or Caribbean?

Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:00:26 +0000

While modern cruises feature a wealth of fabulous amenities, many passengers are just as eager to get off the ship for exciting adventures on shore. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), around 68 percent of passengers will book a shore excursion to round out their trip.

Unfortunately, accidents can happen on these tours, leading many injured passengers to wonder about their rights. A Miami cruise ship accident attorney can provide specifics about your case, but an overview should help you understand liability for shore excursions.

Can You Sue a Cruise Line for Shore Excursion Accidents?